U.S. Travel Joins Congressman Mark Pocan for “Travel Works” Power Hour in Madison, Wis.

The U.S. Travel Association joined Congressman Mark Pocan and Destination Madison, along with local business leaders for a "Travel Works for America" Power Hour at the AC Hotel in Downtown Madison on June 16. The discussion focused on opportunities to support the travel industry now and in the future, and national and local priorities for the industry.

"We appreciate Congressman Pocan and our local partners for helping spotlight the important role travel plays in supporting jobs and driving economic growth in Madison and across Wisconsin," said Andrew Newhart, Senior Director of Government Relations at U.S. Travel. "Together, we can strengthen the travel economy, support local businesses and expand opportunities for workers and communities nationwide."

"South Central Wisconsin has so much to offer," said Congressman Mark Pocan. "It was a pleasure to sit down with U.S. Travel Association and leaders from our local tourism and hospitality industry to discuss how we can support their work and the workers who power it."

"We are grateful Congressman Pocan took the time to hear from our partners about the issues affecting their hospitality businesses, from jumps in healthcare prices and increased costs for equipment, to trickle-down business effects from the financial challenges facing meeting planners and leisure visitors," said Ellie Westman Chin, President & CEO of Destination Madison. "We appreciate Rep. Pocan's empathy and the personal stories he shared that shows he understands our industry's pain points. Madison's tourism industry is stronger when we have support from leaders like Rep. Pocan to help us navigate through challenging times to positively impact our local economy and community."

In Wisconsin, the travel industry generates $16.3 billion in travel spending and supports 116,000 jobs. Nationally, travel produces $3 trillion in economic output and supports 15 million U.S. workers. Travel is a leading driver of growth, stability and prosperity that touches every corner of America.

The Power Hour agenda included critical topics to the travel industry, such as: the economic impact of travel; immigrations concerns including the visa integrity fee, changes to the ESTA application and need for additional H-2B visas; restoring funding for Brand USA; tariffs; the upcoming decade of major events and more local and national issues.

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.