WASHINGTON -

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics February employment report, in which leisure and hospitality jobs grew by 105,000 and the total economy added 311,000 jobs:

“Despite strong job growth, a staggering 1.7 million leisure and hospitality jobs are open—a concerning figure as we head into the peak summer travel season. Travel is essential to our nation’s economy, but its success is reliant on access to workers to serve the traveling public.

“One way the federal government should address our workforce shortage is to increase the allotment of H-2B visas, which is at least 100,000 short of demand, to provide the industry with the temporary workers it so desperately needs.”

 

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.

 

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Greg Staley

Senior Vice President, Communications

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