The U.S. Travel Association and industry partners today responded to President Obama’s call for comments and recommendations on a national travel and tourism strategy. The 19-page document was composed with broad industry input and highlights key elements for a national strategy to promote and expand international and domestic travel within the United States.

The key recommendations include:

  improving the visa process;
  expanding the Visa Waiver Program;
  supporting international travel promotion;
  improving the entry experience at our international airports;
  increasing student and youth travel to the U.S.;
  improving the air travel screening and security process;
  accelerating travel-related infrastructure projects;
  boosting visitation at national parks; and
  improving capabilities to assist economic recovery following disasters; and others.

“The travel industry appreciates the President’s willingness to work together in developing a national strategy for travel and tourism,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “The economic benefits will be significant. By embracing policies to better promote travel to and within our country, we can attract a greater share of the business and leisure travel market, which will mean billions of dollars more for our economy and hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.”

Other national trade associations joining the U.S. Travel Association in response to the Federal Register notice request for comment on the President’s Executive Order 13597 are:

  American Bus Association
  American Hotel & Lodging Association
  American Motorcyclist Association
  American Recreation Coalition
  American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
  BEWI Productions, Inc.
  Business Travel Coalition
  CityPASS
  Destination Marketing Association International
  Interactive Travel Services Association
  International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
  International Franchise Association
  International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
  Meetings Professionals International
  National Association of Sports Commissions
  National Park Hospitality Association
  National Parks Promotion Council
  National Tour Association
  National Tourism and Heritage Association
  Professional Association of Innkeepers International
  Receptive Services Association of America
  Site & Site International Foundation
  Society of Independent Show Organizers
  Student & Youth Travel Association
  TradeFair Group
  Travel Goods Association
  United Motorcoach Association
  United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
  Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC)