White House attempts to boost post-recession travel

LAS VEGAS – The White House is seeking to reassure travel industry leaders that the United States cares about tourism and hopes to push the industry as the country recovers from a recession that left many without the means to spend as much on vacations and business trips.

Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, told executives at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit here last week that the U.S. wants to help make travel easy and safe, attract international visitors and spur business.

“All of these investments stem from a single belief: If it’s easier to travel through the United States, more people will choose to do so,” Jarrett said.

Jarrett and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood touted investments in high-speed rail, the creation of a public-private corporation to promote tourism in the United States and agreements to expand international and cargo air routes. They also faced questions about America’s commitment to travel given a perception of preferential treatment to other business sectors and an offhand remark Obama made two years ago that irked hoteliers and other companies that took it to mean he was against business travel.

“We get it – we think all of you contribute mightily. You all contribute a lot to our economy,” LaHood said. “This administration is committed to what you’re all doing. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t be here this morning.”

LaHood’s comments came after David Scowsill, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said tourism isn’t held in the same regard as other industries in the United States, including banking and automobiles.

Scowsill said tourism is 9 percent of global domestic product, while autos contribute 8 percent and banking contributes 11 percent.

“Just look at the attention government bailouts and protections of those industries attract, whilst we, the tourism industry, receive second-class treatment,” Scowsill said. “We need to change the rules.”