Tony Gonchar, ASTA CEO, praised steps taken today by President Barak Obama to elevate travel and tourism to a fuller role in rebuilding the United States economy.

President Obama announced a major travel and tourism initiative today at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Gonchar said, “President Obama has recognized the potential of the tourism sector to create more jobs, add fiscal growth to our national economy, and improved our balance of trade. ASTA is particularly pleased to see the focus on increasing visa waiver countries, reducing visa interview and visa issuance waiting times, and streamlining access to the United States by making the Global Entry Program permanent.

“As an association with member travel agents worldwide, this will enable our members to assist their customers to see more of the United States, do it more easily, and hopefully, more often.”

ASTA Premium member Olga Ramudo, who comes to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board as one of the top Hispanic business operators in the United States said, “This is such an honor for me. I am particularly thrilled by this new chance to get more Hispanics in the United States to travel, thereby creating more jobs and opportunities in the travel industry.”

Gonchar concluded, “Having Olga Ramudo at the table will guarantee a strong voice for travel agents as the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board moves ahead with its government partners to implement the vision outlined by President Obama today.  ASTA is very proud of her.  We know she will add a lot to the discussion while giving our industry a better understanding to increase markets and employment.”

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.