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Travel industry leaders talk with President Trump at White House

Travel industry leaders talk with President Trump at White House

A conversation between President Trump, his senior aides, and travel industry executives took place today at the White House. The meeting highlighted ways the administration and the travel industry can work together to achieve travel-related growth.

The U.S. Travel Association (USTA), joined by CEOs of 13 member companies, met with the President and discussed travel’s essential contributions to the U.S. economy and job creation, and the importance of international inbound travel to trade deficit reduction.

“Our discussion with the president was simple: a strong flow of international business and leisure travelers into the U.S. reduces the trade deficit and creates an outsize number of American jobs,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “There is a global international travel boom, and there is a huge opportunity to greatly expand upon the already strong economy.

“The president is a keen listener whenever you’re talking about growing the economy, and he was receptive to the idea that travel growth can be achieved without compromising security.

“We’re grateful to the president and his senior aides for their time and attention.”

Among the policies discussed to help improve inbound travel: expanding and enhancing secure visa policies and supporting the Brand USA destination marketing agency. Transportation infrastructure—critical to growth of both international and domestic travel—was also on the policy menu.

Attending the West Wing meeting were:

Roger Dow of the U.S. Travel Association
Geoff Ballotti of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Phil Brown of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (attending in his role as chair of U.S. Travel’s Gateway Airports Council)
Kevin Frid of AccorHotels
Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Elie Maalouf of InterContinental Hotels Group;
George Markantonis of Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Chris Nassetta of Hilton
Patrick Pacious of Choice Hotels International
Joe Popolo of Freeman
James Risoleo of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Arne Sorenson of Marriott International
John Sprouls of Universal Parks & Resorts
Greg Stubblefield of Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Also joining Dow and USTA member executives at the meeting were Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Jonathan Grella and Senior Vice President for Government Relations Tori Barnes.

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