National Travel and Tourism Week: Celebrating the Power of Travel
As we kick off National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual recognition of the U.S. travel industry, I think back to how far we have come since last year. America’s vaccination rollout has been a strong success, cases have fallen dramatically from the winter surge and pandemic-related restrictions are easing in every part of the country. As the U.S. prepares to emerge from the pandemic and get back to business, there is no better time to acknowledge the outsized role travel will play in fueling an economic recovery.
This is precisely why the theme of this year’s NTTW is the Power of Travel—it is an opportunity to highlight travel’s contributions to the economy and to America’s workers and recognize its ability to bring people together.
Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. in 2019.
Given the industry’s importance to America’s economy and workforce, a full, nationwide recovery effectively hinges on travel’s revival. While we are beginning to see signs of a recovery on the horizon, much work remains ahead to ensure its growth. To equip travel to contribute to its full economic potential, U.S. Travel will continue advocating for key priorities such as safely reopening international travel, restarting business travel and professional meetings and events, and passing the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act and the Save Hotel Jobs Act to spur demand and rehiring, among other key priorities.
We have a long way to go, but I have been so impressed by our industry’s handling of this crisis. Last year’s Spirit of Travel theme recognized our industry’s resilience and indomitable spirit at a time when none of us could have imagined the true depth of the public health crisis. We weathered the most challenging of storms together, and we are beginning to see the light at the other end.
Now, a year later, that same spirit will help drive an economic recovery, reconnect people and bring our country together again—a demonstration of the true Power of Travel.
Please join me this week in celebrating this special industry and tell me how you are saluting the Power of Travel.
Hospitality, Health & Wellness Specialist / Master Certified Health & Wellness Coach / Consultant / Entrepreneur / Speaker / Advocate/ Volunteer / Educator / Anchor & Podcast Host
3 年Thank you Roger Dow for helping to bring awareness #savetourism #savetravel #poweroftravel - You are and have always been SUCH an inspiration to so many of us in the industry!! Forever blessed!
"TOP 50 Global Inspirational Woman to look out for" I Global Tourism Influencer I Prime Minister's Task Force I CEO | Executive Board | Advisory Board I Masterplans | ITZ Integrated Tourism Zones Expert | Keynote Speaker
3 年Would love to have u back on our Forum talking about this
Vice President of Corporate Sales | Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) The Art of Travel Management. Best-Selling Inspirational children’s author of “The Tiny Star” and the Creator of “Stars.”
3 年The entire team at the U.S. Travel Association continues to provide support and inspiration to the entire travel industry! Cheers to National Travel and Tourism Week! We are on the road to recovery.
A Woman of Wonderland: Passionate advocate for Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
3 年This annual industry celebration could not come at a more opportune time. As our country continues to open and recalibrate during this new day and age, the #PowerofTravel will prevail and the wonder turn to wander once again. Thank you Roger Dow and U.S. Travel Association for the foundation you have built to ensure our resiliency. Cheers!