On Friday, August 30, 2024, Congressman Scott Peters joined forces with over 20 San Diego leaders at the U.S. Travel Association’s ‘Travel Works for America’ event, underscoring the profound impact of travel on the local economy. This impactful gathering, held at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, brought together a diverse group of travel and business leaders to showcase the crucial role of tourism in driving economic growth and job creation within the San Diego community.
The event’s agenda touched upon several pressing issues impacting the travel industry, with a particular focus on streamlining the travel experience for both U.S. citizens and international visitors. Participants emphasized the critical need to reduce excessive wait times for U.S. visitor visas, particularly for first-time applicants. The current average wait time of over 280 days in key visa-requiring markets is a significant deterrent to international travel and negatively impacts the tourism sector.
Another major point of discussion revolved around minimizing wait times at U.S. Customs at major gateway airports. The event highlighted the need for efficient and user-friendly customs procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for arriving passengers.
Furthermore, the event addressed the urgent need for a permanent expansion of the H-2B worker visa program, a critical lifeline for small and seasonal businesses heavily reliant on temporary staff. Participants stressed that expanding this program would provide businesses with the necessary workforce to thrive, ultimately contributing to the growth of the travel sector.
The adoption of advanced facial recognition technology at TSA checkpoints was another key topic, offering a potential solution to expedite the screening process and enhance security measures. The event underscored the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline the travel experience while ensuring passenger safety.
In addition to these immediate concerns, the event also delved into long-term strategic initiatives. Participants advocated for full funding for the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism position, emphasizing the importance of dedicated leadership to promote and support the industry. They also discussed the potential of a significant new bill focused on modernizing travel infrastructure, investing in crucial upgrades to airports, roads, and public transportation systems.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the vital role of Brand USA, the official U.S. destination marketing organization. Participants highlighted the importance of Brand USA’s efforts in promoting the United States as a premier travel destination worldwide, attracting international tourists and boosting the national economy.
The ‘Travel Works for America’ event in San Diego served as a powerful platform for local leaders to advocate for a thriving travel industry. Through open dialogue and collaboration, they showcased the immense value of travel to the local economy and addressed crucial challenges facing the sector, ultimately working towards a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all.
