U.S. Travel Association Power Hour in San Diego Highlights Travel’s Contribution to Economic Growth

Monday, September 2, 2024

The U.S. Travel Association hosted a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour event with Congressman Scott Peters and over 20 travel and business leaders from the San Diego area. Held at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority on Tuesday, August 27, the gathering aimed to highlight the significant role travel plays in benefiting the local economy and supporting businesses.

“Travel is a critical driver of the economy and workforce in communities like San Diego,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We appreciate the opportunity to join Congressman Peters for a discussion on how Congress can further support the growth of travel to his district and throughout the United States, as well as the leadership of the San Diego Tourism Authority who were instrumental in bringing us together.”

“Whether it’s families visiting the San Diego Zoo, visitors exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, or beachgoers enjoying the sun at La Jolla Shores, tourism fuels our economy and sustains our communities,” said Congressman Peters.

“Today’s meeting with Congressman Scott Peters and U.S. Travel demonstrates the importance of collaboration between our tourism industry and government officials,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority. “Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, contributing $22 billion and providing one in eight jobs. These discussions are crucial for addressing challenges and opportunities at both federal and local levels. By strengthening our relationships with Congressman Peters and other policymakers, we can ensure San Diego’s tourism industry continues to thrive, benefiting our entire community.” 

During the Power Hour, attendees addressed several critical issues, including the urgent need to reduce U.S. visitor visa wait times, which currently exceed 280 days for first-time applicants in key markets. Another priority was shortening wait times at U.S. Customs for international travelers arriving at major gateway airports.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of permanently expanding the H-2B worker visa program to aid small and seasonal businesses reliant on temporary labor. Attendees advocated for innovative solutions, such as the implementation of facial identity verification technology at TSA checkpoints, to enhance the traveler experience. Additionally, the group called for securing full funding for the newly established Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism role and explored how Congress could further modernize the travel industry through future infrastructure initiatives. Lastly, the importance of supporting Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization of the United States, was highlighted as a key factor in promoting international tourism.

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