The Travel Industry Association (TIA) on Wednesday (Dec. 3) praised President-elect Obama for his choice of Governor Bill Richardson as his nominee for Secretary of Commerce. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the TIA, issued the following statement:
“America’s travel community is pleased that a leader of Governor Richardson’s caliber has been selected to head a cabinet department that is positioned to play such a critical role in revitalizing the U.S. economy. We look forward to working with Governor Richardson in support of a nationally coordinated travel promotion program to boost America’s economy and strengthen our image abroad by welcoming more overseas travelers to the United States.”
“America’s $1.8 trillion travel economy employs one out of every eight U.S. workers in domestic jobs that cannot be outsourced. Governor Richardson understands that travel and tourism is an economic engine for America’s state and local economies and is a significant source for jobs. We are optimistic that, as Secretary of Commerce, Governor Richardson will demonstrate the same active support for travel promotion he exemplified as Governor of New Mexico.”
“From his previous experience as an accomplished diplomat, Governor Richardson also recognizes the major public diplomacy benefits of international travel to the United states. The people-to-people diplomacy enabled by travel is one of America’s most effective means of strengthening our image in the world.”
The Travel Industry Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. TIA’s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. TIA is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.tia.org.