Watch Video of Senator Rosen’s Remarks HERE
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) chaired a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion examining ways to revive international travel and increase visitor volume to benefit the trade show and convention industries. Witnesses — including Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy for the U.S. Travel Association; Suzanne Neufang, CEO for the Global Business Travel Association; and Ralph Cutie, Director and CEO of the Miami International Airport — gave insights into ongoing efforts to increase international travel and spending, and the resources needed by airports in preparation for increased traveler numbers.
This hearing follows the recent announcement of a new National Travel and Tourism Strategy by the U.S. Department of Commerce based on Rosen-led bipartisan legislation to bolster the travel and tourism industry. The Strategy outlines a goal of attracting 90 million international visitors to the United States each year.
“In addition to leisure tourism, Nevada’s economy also relies on business travelers who come to our state from across the country and around the world for conventions, trade shows, and conferences. Las Vegas is the convention capital of the world, hosting nearly 22,000 meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and events each year,” said Senator Rosen. “The COVID-related international travel slowdown has therefore meant job losses throughout Nevada – at our amazing hotels and casinos, in our world-class convention halls, and at airports. It’s also devastated many of our restaurants, retailers, and live entertainment venues.”
“It is my hope that today’s hearing will help us to better understand how we can continue to encourage international travel to U.S. conventions and bring back the one million jobs we’ve lost,” Rosen continued.
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