The U.S. Travel Association recently joined Representative Andy Harris, the Maryland Tourism Coalition, Visit Harford, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, and local leaders for a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour at the Economic Development Office in Cambridge, Maryland. The discussion focused on the critical role of travel in boosting regional businesses and strengthening the state’s economy.
Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy at U.S. Travel, emphasized the significance of the meeting. “Participating in this discussion with Congressman Harris and local tourism leaders was a valuable opportunity to highlight the essential impact of travel on Maryland’s economy,” Barnes said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Congressman Harris to support the growth of the travel sector, both locally and nationwide.”
Congressman Harris also underscored the importance of tourism in the state. “The tourism industry, including domestic travel, is a key economic driver in my district and across Maryland,” Harris noted. “People come from all over to enjoy our natural resources, beaches, and mountains, and I’m pleased to work with industry leaders to identify ways to encourage more tourism in our state.”
Ruth Toomey, Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, highlighted the value of these Power Hours, which provide an opportunity for local tourism professionals to engage with federal representatives. “The Maryland Tourism Coalition is grateful to Representative Harris for his attention to crucial issues, such as the H-2B visa, Maryland’s infrastructure, and topics affecting the Chesapeake Bay, including blue catch fish processing and local watermen’s protection,” Toomey stated.
The event also spotlighted the significant economic contributions of tourism to Maryland. In 2022, travel spending generated $20.4 billion and supported 111,000 jobs in the state. Nationally, the travel industry produced $2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million U.S. workers in 2023.
The Power Hour agenda covered several critical topics, including reducing wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants, addressing delays at U.S. Customs at major airports, investing in airport technology to improve screening processes, and supporting infrastructure projects such as the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Consortium. These issues are vital to both local and national efforts to strengthen the travel and tourism sector.
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