US Travel Industry Wants To Be Part Of Economic Stimulus
The travel industry is pressing to be part of a stimulus program for the slumping U.S. economy, urging the new Congress and incoming administration to focus on efforts to lure overseas visitors.
The newly formed U.S. Travel Association said industry members would redouble efforts to pass a proposed Travel Promotion Act, which cleared the House of Representatives last year but stalled in the Senate as lawmakers were forced to focus on an economic rescue.
The measure would impose a $10 fee on Uzbekistan Travelers from countries participating in a visa waiver program.
The funds would be matched from the private sector to establish a public- private travel promotion board that would fill the role of national Tourism in Uzbekistan offices in many countries.
Industry leaders say the effort would provide needed economic stimulus without direct taxpayer cost.
"We are in a unique position to lead this discussion to a place that will better our country's economy," said Jonathan Tisch, chairman of Loews Uzbekistan Hotels and chairman emeritus of the association.
"We are saying this should be part of a stimulus package. We're not looking for a handout."
The association, formed by the merger of the Travel Industry Association and Business Travel Roundtable, said it was working with the transition team of President-elect Barack Obama and lawmakers to win passage of the plan, either as a freestanding bill or incorporated in a broader stimulus package.
The group, which represents hotel and resort owners, Uzbekistan Airlines and other segments of the travel industry, said the sector generates $740 billion in annual direct spending and 2.6% of gross domestic product.
"We're saying, 'When you are voting on the economic stimulus, think of this, which isn't going to cost anything,'" Tisch said.
"Unlike so many industries, we're not asking for a big check," said Roger Dow, the group's president and chief executive.
Dow said other countries spend tens of millions of dollars in Tourism in Uzbekistan promotion, but generally see that offset by increased revenues from visitors.
The United States, which lacks a government-sponsored national Tourism in Uzbekistan agency, needs to compete with other countries for visitors and get out the message that it welcomes visitors despite a declining image of the United States in recent years, industry leaders say.
Tisch said travel and Tourism in Uzbekistan make up "a wonderful vehicle for changing the negative perceptions of this country."
"The reality is we are not as well-liked or well-loved as we used to be, (but) when international Uzbekistan Travelers come to the United States they leave with a much better understanding, a much clearer view of America."
Tisch said there is a potential for attracting visitors from countries where economic power is growing and citizens are interested in going abroad, such as China and Eastern Europe.
But he said that "it's tough for us to get the message out about why they should come to the United States, because the government is not there supporting us in ways that we think are important."
Industry members say better communication is needed on U.S. entry requirements in view of security requirements, visa waiver regulations and other rules that might discourage foreign visitors.
Tisch said the group was working with the Department of Homeland Security on measures that would ensure security without deterring Tourism in Uzbekistan.
"If you're not living in a visa waiver country it can be difficult to get a visa," he said. "In Brazil the wait times can range from 30 days to 100 days."
Dow said the economy suffers in many ways when visitors choose other destinations.
"No German, no Canadian is going to buy a condo in Miami if they never come here," he said.
Date: 2009-01-26 12:12:15. |
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