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Global summit in Washington to increases U.S. tourism market share
The World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit held in Washington DC brought together senior White House, government and travel industry leaders to focus on the need for a national travel and tourism policy and sustained international marketing campaign for US tourism.
The 700 senior travel and tourism leaders from 60 countries were joined by US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, secretary of homeland Security Michael Chertoff, secretary of commerce Gutierrez, secretary of transportation Norman Mineta at the Summit to focus on the importance of international travel for the US economy and global goodwill, in light of the US international travel market share being at an all time low.
While every 1% increase in international travel market share generates 150,000 new jobs in US, $12 billion in tourism revenues and $2 billion in taxes, the US market share has dropped 35% since 1992 representing $286 billion in tourist spend and $48 billion in tax revenues.
Homeland Security boss Chertoff said: “The Administration is focused on safe but open borders for our tourism friends. We are addressing critical situations in this area, from expediting the visa process to retooling airport welcome and information areas.”
Joining to endorse the call to action to make the US more competitive with other nations as a destination included the chairmen, CEO/presidents of Marriott, InterContinental Hotels, Continental Airlines, Walt Disney Parks, AAA, ASTA, Travel Industry Association of America, to name a few.
Report by Charles Kao
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