Roundtable Weekly
“Visit U.S. Coalition” Unveils Policy Goals to Encourage Foreign Tourism and Boost Job Growth
March 3, 2018

The multi-industry Visit U.S. Coalition (which includes The Real Estate Roundtable) on Wednesday released its policy agenda aimed at promoting and increasing inbound international travel to the United States. (VisitU.S.Policy Agenda, Feb. 28)

The multi-industry Visit U.S. Coalition  (which includes The Real Estate Roundtable) on Wednesday released its policy agenda aimed at promoting and increasing inbound international travel to the United States. ( VisitU.S. Policy Agenda , Feb. 28)  

The coalition advocates for policies that urge the Trump Administration and Congress to regain the nation’s lost share of the global travel market by 2020, which will result in 88 million international visitors who directly support 1.3 million U.S. jobs and $294 billion in travel exports – crucial to achieving the Administration’s economic goals. (Roundtable WeeklyJan. 19 and Feb. 9)
 
"Robust international travel helps to power the U.S. commercial real estate markets, not only hospitality properties but retail, attraction, health and investment properties as well,” said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable.  "We look forward to continuing to work to emphasize that America is a uniquely welcoming, interesting and safe travel destination for international visitors.  Positive national tourism policies boost overall economic growth, support and create jobs, generate revenues to help modernize our infrastructure, and generally improve the quality of life in our communities,” DeBoer added.
 
The coalition aims to safely and securely welcome more overseas travelers to the U.S. – who stay an average of 18 nights and spend approximately $4,360 at hotels, stores, restaurants and attraction properties on business and leisure trips. The coalition’s agenda encourages federal policy makers to:

  • Embrace International Travel to the U.S. as a National Priority
  • Expand Intelligence Sharing and Streamline the Travel Entry Process
  • Make America’s Visa System More Secure and Accessible to International Travelers
  • Increase Security and Efficiency in America’s Travel Screening Systems at U.S Ports of Entry

Led by the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the coalition also includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Resort Development Association.