The U.S. Travel Association recently hosted a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour event in San Diego, bringing together Congressman Scott Peters and over 20 travel and business leaders from the region. The event, held at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, aimed to highlight the significant role travel plays in driving economic growth and supporting businesses in the local community.
The gathering emphasized the critical importance of tourism to San Diego’s economy. “Travel is a critical driver of the economy and workforce in communities like San Diego,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We appreciate the opportunity to join Congressman Peters for a discussion on how Congress can further support the growth of travel to his district and throughout the United States, as well as the leadership of the San Diego Tourism Authority who were instrumental in bringing us together.”
Congressman Peters echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whether it’s families visiting the San Diego Zoo, visitors exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, or beachgoers enjoying the sun at La Jolla Shores, tourism fuels our economy and sustains our communities.”
Julie Coker, President and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority, highlighted the collaborative nature of the meeting and the crucial role of government partnerships in supporting the industry. “Today’s meeting with Congressman Scott Peters and U.S. Travel demonstrates the importance of collaboration between our tourism industry and government officials,” she said. “Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, contributing $22 billion and providing one in eight jobs. These discussions are crucial for addressing challenges and opportunities at both federal and local levels. By strengthening our relationships with Congressman Peters and other policymakers, we can ensure San Diego’s tourism industry continues to thrive, benefiting our entire community.”
During the Power Hour, attendees addressed a range of critical issues impacting the travel industry. A key concern was the lengthy U.S. visitor visa wait times, currently exceeding 280 days for first-time applicants in important markets. The group also advocated for streamlining customs processing at major gateway airports to expedite international traveler arrival.
Addressing the workforce needs of the travel industry, attendees emphasized the importance of permanently expanding the H-2B worker visa program to provide support for small and seasonal businesses reliant on temporary labor.
Looking towards the future, the group discussed innovative solutions for enhancing the traveler experience. This included advocating for the implementation of facial identity verification technology at TSA checkpoints. They also called for securing full funding for the newly established Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism role and explored how Congress could modernize the travel industry through future infrastructure initiatives.
Finally, the group underscored the importance of supporting Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization of the United States, as a crucial factor in promoting international tourism. The event provided a valuable platform for travel industry leaders and policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards solutions that will benefit the travel industry and the broader economy.
