U.S. Travel Joins Congressman Jeff Van Drew for “Travel Works” Power Hour in Cape May, NJ

The U.S. Travel Association joined Congressman Jeff Van Drew and Cape May Travel along with legislative and local business leaders for a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour at the Cape May Winery on October 23. The discussion focused on travel’s essential contributions to the region’s businesses, workforce and economy. 

Image

"We appreciate the opportunity to join Congressman Van Drew and a diverse group of local leaders to highlight how travel contributes to the success of the Cape May area," said Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy at U.S. Travel. "We look forward to continuing our work with Rep. Van Drew to further boost travel to his district and across the country."

“I am proud to collaborate with the U.S. Travel Association as we explore exciting ways to enhance tourism in South Jersey and tackle any challenges we encounter together,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Our region is home to diverse landscapes, from charming rural areas to some of the best shore towns in the country—there is truly something for everyone. By investing in our local infrastructure and promoting our unique attractions, we can showcase the very best of South Jersey to visitors from across the nation. Together with the U.S. Travel Association, I am committed to making meaningful improvements and inviting everyone to discover what makes South Jersey so special!” 

“Cape May County is a $7.7 billion tourism industry with nearly 60% of jobs supported by visitor spending. We are a unique destination situated at the southern tip of New Jersey with miles of pristine beaches, natural beauty, world-class birding, and the state’s largest commercial fishing fleet along our coast and bay shorefronts. The destination has been built over the generations by hard-working small family business owners, making it the second-largest tourism destination in New Jersey. We are keenly aware of the challenges facing tourism and recognize the need to collaborate with legislators at all levels to shield our businesses from excessive taxes, regulatory burdens, and misguided programs that threaten tourism and the quality of life of our residents,” said Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio. 

In 2022, $25.9 billion in travel spending supported nearly 200,000 jobs in New Jersey. In total, the travel industry produced $2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million U.S. workers in 2023. Travel strengthens businesses throughout the economy by connecting people and places and contributing to the success of practically every business sector.

The Power Hour agenda included critical topics to the travel industry, such as: preparing for the upcoming decade of major sporting events coming to the U.S.; the need to lower wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants, currently facing 260+ day wait times on average in key inbound markets; reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports; the need to permanently expand the H-2B worker visa program, and more local and national issues.