WASHINGTON -
The U.S. Travel Association joined Rep. Eric Sorensen and Quad City travel and business leaders for a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour at The Urban Reserve in Downtown Rock Island on October 11. The discussion focused on travel’s essential contributions to the region’s businesses, workforce and economy.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to join Rep. Sorensen, Visit Quad Cities, GoRockford and other local leaders to spotlight travel’s impact on the Quad Cities,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We look forward to working with Rep. Sorensen to continue to grow travel to his district and throughout the nation.”
“In Congress, I am focused on making sure Americans from every corner of our country can travel to our region to visit family, friends, and more. And when you’re here, I want you to be able to experience everything we have to offer, from stopping at Whiteys for ice cream to Beef-A-Roo in Rockford and the Peoria riverfront museum. This means investing in reliable and affordable transportation options to and from our region,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Travel Association and local leaders to make sure our nation’s heartland is a destination for all Americans.”
In total, the travel industry produced $2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million U.S. workers in 2023. Travel strengthens businesses across 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; the need to lower wait times for first-time visitor visas 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, which provides temporary workers to support small and seasonal business.
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.