Executive Summary

Executive SummaryTravel and tourism are critical to the American economy. Federal policies on matters ranging from national security to transportation and from trade to natural resources management affect travel and tourism, and its potential for growth. In a global economy, a range of businesses depend on travel and tourism policies to enable clients, customers, and colleagues to conduct business in the United States. In 2011, the travel and tourism industry generated $1.2 trillion and supported 7.6 million jobs.1 Real travel and tourism spending grew

3.5 percent in 2011,2 outpacing the 1.7 percent growth rate for the economy as a whole.3In 2011, 62 million international visitors came to the United States and spent a record $153 billion on U.S. travel- and tourism-related goods and services, which are counted as U.S. exports. 4While the United States set records for international visitation in four of the last five years,5 the global travel market has become increasingly competitive. Other countries actively market themselves, and new destinations are aggressively competing for market share. This year, the United States will launch a promotion campaign to increase international travel to our country, through the Corporation for Travel Promotion, doing business as Brand USA.The U.S. government plays a unique role in creating a positive environment for private sector job growth in the travel and tourism industry, while protecting resources, travelers, and the public. International travelers require services when they apply for a U.S. visa, enter the country, visithttp://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/Fast_Facts.pdf.bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/tourism/2012/pdf/tour411.pdf.bea.gov/newsreleases/industry/gdpindustry/gdpindhighlights.pdf. Travel is the money spent on the purchase of goods and services by international visitors in the United States for business or personal reasons. Passenger fares are the money received by U.S. air carriers from international visitors for travel between the United States and foreign countries and the fares received by U.S. vessel operators on cruise vessels. Department of Commerce, ITA, OTTI, Fast Facts: United States Travel and Tourism Industry, 2011, available

thttp://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/download_data_table/Fast_Facts.pdf.