WASHINGTON -
The U.S. Travel Association conducted a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour with U.S. Senator Peter Welch on Friday, September 13, in Bolton, VT at the Richmond Mountain Trails’ (RMT) The Driving Range, the first fully accessible trail network. The event included a hike around RMT’s new adaptive-ready trail system, and a discussion with U.S. Travel, Vermont Tourism, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and state, local and industry leaders on travel and outdoor recreation in Vermont.
“Senator Welch is a long-time champion of the travel industry, and we are grateful for the opportunity to join him in Vermont to discuss travel’s indispensable value to communities and the workforce across the state,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We look forward to our continued work with Senator Welch and local leaders to support the growth of travel in Vermont and throughout the nation.”
“Vermont’s travel and outdoor recreation industry is an economic driver in our state, drawing folks from across the country and around the world to enjoy nature and community at its best. We’ve seen how back-to-back floods have impacted so much of our state, including this crucial sector, but it is clear today Vermont is open and ready for the fall tourism season,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll continue to support innovative initiatives to bolster our outdoor recreation industry to ensure everyone—of all abilities—can access, enjoy, and explore all the Green Mountain State has to offer.”
“Today’s roundtable with Senator Welch and U.S. Travel focuses on the unbreakable link between our economy and how federal policies drive sustainable growth in the travel industry,” said Heather Pelham, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. “The travel industry employs one in 10 Vermonters and when the travel and outdoor recreation economies are thriving, the benefits extend far beyond to retail, agriculture, arts, entertainment, and more in every corner of the state.”
Participants talked about the challenges and issues facing the travel and outdoor recreation industry, including accessibility issues, cross-border travel and business, infrastructure repairs, immigration policy reforms, rural development, and the need for outdoor recreation marketing and development funding.
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.