PORTER, FARR HOST TRAVEL AND TOURISM ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE

Washington, DC- The Congressional Caucus on Travel and Tourism, lead by co-chairmen Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV) and Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), hosted a roundtable discussion today on the travel industry and its enormous impact on the U.S. economy. Today's conversation focused on homeland security, transportation and taxes. Industry leaders put their key issues on the table and expressed their priorities for the next administration.

Travel and tourism is Nevada's largest industry generating over $31 billion in spending and creating more than 440,000 jobs. International travel makes a sizable contribution to Nevada's economy, accounting for almost 10 percent of all travel-generated revenues statewide. In 2005, international travelers spent $2.8 billion in Nevada. Spending by international travelers supports over 40,000 jobs in Nevada and provides over $360 million in state, local, and federal tax revenue.

In addition to Nevada's economy, travel is critical to the American economy, all 50 states and 435 congressional districts. Moreover, travel is a vital public diplomacy tool that can help the United States to win hearts and minds around the world. Economic highlights of the power of travel include $740 billion in direct travel expenditures predicted for 2007 (including domestic and international), $1.6 trillion in direct, indirect and induced travel expenditures including international travelers' spending in the U.S., and $110 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments.

"The impact of the travel industry is staggering, yet its contributions go largely unnoticed on Capitol Hill," said Porter. "The intention of today and the mission of the caucus is to continue to elevate travel and tourism as a priority for this, and future Congresses. Today's discussion was not only a chance to discuss national policy for the travel industry but also an opportunity to develop relationships with key policy makers. By bringing together all these interested parties, it is our hope to maintain a collaborative dialogue on the many issues facing this multi-billion dollar industry and set our priorities for the 111th Congress."

Today's roundtable was a discussion with Commerce Secretary Gutierrez, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Minority Leader John Boehner, Minority Whip Roy Blunt, Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Jim McCrery, Transportation Committee Chairmen Jim Oberstar and Transportation Committee Ranking Member John Mica.

Joining the discussion today were industry leaders from Las Vegas and around the nation including Rossi Ralenkotter, President & CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Alan Feldman, Senior VP, Public Affairs of MGM Mirage, Tim Maland, Director of Nevada Commission on Tourism, Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels and Travel Business Roundtable, Kathleen Matthews, Executive VP of Marriott International, Jim Shaughnessy, Senior VP of Orbitz Worldwide, Caroline Beteta, CEO of California Travel and Tourism Commission and National Chair of TIA and Roger Dow, President & CEO of Travel Industry Association

The Congressional Caucus on Travel and Tourism key Accomplishments in the 110th Congress include:

Pending Report Language in FY09 DHS Appropriations bill

$1 million to beef up staffing for Visa Waiver program.

Model Ports of Entry program - directs CBP to submit a report not later than 6 months after enactment of the FY09 HS approps bill for implementation of a MPE program at the 20 largest international airports.

Global Entry (formerly International Registered Traveler) - $10 million for CBP to expand program to 20 largest international airports for expedited screening to pre-approved, low risk travelers.

$28.8 million for hiring an additional 561 CBP officers for land port of entry passenger processing.

$8.7 million for hiring an additional 173 CBP officers for air ports of entry.

Enacted Report Language in FY08 DHS and/or State-Foreign Ops Appropriations Act

To address the allocation of CBP officers for international air passenger processing.

To require consular posts provide a report if they take longer than 30 days to schedule a personal interview after a visa request is submitted.

To provide a detailed, 3 year review of visa processing, including new programs and initiatives to improve both the security and efficiency of the visa process.