In a first for the United States, President Barack Obama today announced a national strategy on travel and tourism to boost travel in the United States. The U.S. travel industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, representing 1.8 trillion in economic output and supporting 14 million American jobs.
“A national effort such as this can impact Nevada on a very tangible local level,” Claudia Vecchio, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said. “Visitors spend approximately $46 billion in Nevada, generating $2.4 billion in state and local taxes. This executive order is a major milestone that is sure to benefit our state – and the 425,000 residents whose jobs are tied to tourism.”
According to a White House statement, today’s announcement calls for a national strategy to make the United States the world’s top travel and tourism destination, as part of a comprehensive effort to spur job creation. The number of travelers from emerging economies with growing middle classes – such as China, Brazil, and India – is projected to grow by 135 percent, 274 percent and 50 percent respectively by 2016 when compared to 2010.
President Obama will also sign an Executive Order and charge several government agencies to take part in efforts and new initiatives to significantly increase travel. Some of the initiatives include: a new pilot program and rule change for visa processing in China and Brazil, a final rule to expand and make the Global Entry program permanent, appoint new members to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, and the Nomination of Taiwan to the Visa Waiver Program.
The Nevada Commission on Tourism has partnered with the U.S. Travel Association to increase travel to and within the United States. Among U.S. Travel’s objectives for 2012 will be for the U.S. government to pursue concrete actions to increase international travel, business travel, participation in meetings and conventions and leisure travel throughout America. Policies U.S. Travel will champion include expansion of the Visa Waiver Program to Brazil, Argentina and Chile; further improvements to our entry process for international guests; streamlining the TSA experience for trusted travelers; and building an aviation system that encourages greater air travel.
