In a meeting with 13 travel industry executives yesterday, President Barack Obama expressed his support for travel to and within the United States, which he agreed is a major contributor to the American economy, according to the U.S. Travel Assocation.
"We are pleased that President Obama recognizes the power of travel to strengthen America's economy," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a statement. "The travel community has an ally in President Obama and we appreciate the leadership he intends to bring to increasing travel to, and within, the United States.
During their meeting with the president, industry leaders discussed two key concerns: the Travel Promotion Act, which would help attract more international travelers by creating the first-ever global marketing campaign for travel to the United States, and the industry's concerns over criticism of business meetings and events, which have experienced a nationwide downturn in the wake of controversy surrounding AIG, Wells Fargo, Northern Trust and others.
Although no details were released regarding post-meeting goals or action steps, those who participated in the meeting indicated that President Obama was receptive to industry concerns on both fronts.
"Travel will play a critical role in driving America's economic recovery," Loews Hotels Chairman and U.S. Travel Association Chairman Emeritus Jonathan Tisch said in a statement. "We are pleased to have the support of President Obama and his team, and look forward to working with them in the days ahead."
Participating in yesterday's meeting were:
• Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association
• Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO, Loews Hotels
• Jim Abrahamson, President, the Americas, IHG
• Jim Atchison, President and COO, Busch Entertainment Corp.
• Jeff Clarke, CEO and President, Travelport
• Howard Frank, Vice Chairman and COO, Carnival Corporation
• Barney Harford, President and CEO, Orbitz Worldwide
• W. Stephen Maritz, Chairman and CEO, Maritz Holdings Inc.
• Bill Marriott, Chairman and CEO, Marriott International Inc.
• Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
• Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO, Gaylord Entertainment
• Frits van Paasschen, President, CEO and Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
• Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts