TRAVEL GETS THE PRESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

Our efforts over the past several years to amplify the travel industry’s relevance with policymakers resulted in a major win for our industry last week. While in Orlando, FL, President Obama announced a national strategy on travel and tourism to boost travel to and within the United States.

Key components of the president’s initiative include the creation of an interagency task force charged with developing a national travel & tourism strategy, shortening visa wait times, expanding Global Entry, promoting our national parks, and working to expand the Visa Waiver Program.

Now we want to hear from you. Head to our Facebook page to suggest what you feel should be included as part of the strategy.

Thank you for your hard work to secure this victory for the travel and tourism industry!

WHILE IT’S COLD OUTSIDE, VISA REFORM IS HEATING UP

Hundreds of you sent messages to Congress last fall urging members to include visa reform provisions in the FY12 State Department funding bill. As a result, in December, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, which included significant visa policy victories.

The legislation included provisions that will lead to reductions in visa wait times, extended visa validity periods, and will facilitate the creation of a secure videoconferencing system for visa interviews.

Combined with the president’s remarks last week, we have an incredible opportunity to achieve meaningful visa reform this year. Be sure to visit our Smarter Visa Policy Now action hub to learn about the four pieces of visa reform legislation currently pending in Congress and how you can take action.

START PLANNING NOW FOR NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) will take place from May 5-13, 2012. First observed in 1984, NTTW is celebrated through localized events in cities, states and travel businesses nationwide in an effort to champion the impact that travel has on communities throughout the country.

Wondering how best to observe NTTW? Ideas include staging local rallies, conducting media outreach, and securing local proclamations and resolutions from local legislative bodies. Or get creative and do something unique within your destination!

The Power of Travel Coalition will release a toolkit in February to help you plan for NTTW. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to start requesting proclamations and resolutions from your local and state legislatures. Download a sample proclamation to get started.

Planning to have a NTTW event or have questions? Email us at rallyday@ustravel.org

TSA IMPROVES SECURITY EXPERIENCE AT ADDITIONAL AIRPORTS

Earlier in January, President Obama signed a new law that provides expedited airport security screenings to members of the armed forces. The legislation requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to set new procedures to provide military members and their families quicker and less invasive screenings while in uniform and traveling on official orders.

We applaud Congress for passing this important legislation to enhance the TSA experience for the men and women in our armed forces.

Additionally, in the coming months, TSA’s PreCheck trusted traveler program will expand to include two new airlines (U.S. Airways and United Airlines) and several new airports.

Currently, eligible travelers at nine airports nationwide can voluntarily submit to pre-screening, which allows fora faster checkpoint experience at the airport. U.S. Travel is currently working with Congress and TSA to ensure that this program is expanded to include more of the flying public.

ADVOCACY ALL-STARS: VIRGINIA BEACH CVB AND THE BROADMOOR

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VBCVB) recently went above and beyond to demonstrate its support for the Power of Travel Coalition. After attending Grassroots Boot Camp, VBCVB staff returned home and signed up every single employee of the organization and has been recruiting advocates throughout the Virginia Beach area. A special thank you goes out to James Ricketts, Director, and Robert Ruhl, Business Development Representative, of VBCVB for all of their support in helping build the collective grassroots voice of the travel industry.

Meanwhile, Steve Bartolin, president and CEO of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, also understands the importance of growing the Power of Travel Coalition. Recently, Mr. Bartolin sent a letter to the homes of thousands of his employees asking them to become advocates for the Coalition. It is the visionary leadership of James Ricketts, Robert Ruhl and Steve Bartolin that will help the Coalition reach its goal of one million travel advocates. Thank you to both companies for their strong support of our efforts. Please consider doing the same in your communities – download the signup form and encourage members of the industry to join the Coalition.