National Travel & Tourism Strategy Task Force on Travel & Competitiveness
I. Executive Summary
Travel and tourism are critical to the American economy. This growing industry offers significant potential for job creation across all regions of the country. 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 addition, ensuring that international visitors have a positive experience in America is an essential component of our public diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy. In 2011, the travel and tourism industry generated $1.2 trillion and supported 7.6 million jobs. Real travel and tourism spending grew 3.5 percent in 2011, outpacing the 1.7 percent growth rate for the economy as a whole. As a travel destination, no other nation can compete with the diversity of experiences found across...