The U.S. Travel Association joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Visit Raleigh and local business leaders for a "Travel Works for America" Power Hour at the Raleigh Durham Airport Authority on October 24. The discussion focused on travel's essential contributions to the region's businesses, workforce and economy.

"Joining Congresswoman Ross, Visit Raleigh and other local leaders was a great opportunity to showcase travel's impact on the Raleigh region," said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel's Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. "We are eager to continue our work with Congresswoman Ross to expand travel to her district and across the nation."

"Wake County is a destination for innovation, sports, art, culture, and award-winning cuisine. But, travel is about more than just visiting new places; it's also about forging local connections and supporting business in our communities," said Congresswoman Ross. "Wake County experienced a significant boost in tourism last year, and we must match this growth with adequate funding for transportation, infrastructure, housing, and more. In Congress, I will continue fighting for policies that will encourage safe and easy travel to and from North Carolina, and I am grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Travel Association."

"Our meeting with Congresswoman Ross, a dedicated advocate for tourism in Raleigh, along with U.S. Travel, provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion on both the challenges and opportunities facing our industry both locally and nationally," said Dennis Edwards, President & CEO of Visit Raleigh. "Tourism plays a vital role in Raleigh and Wake County's economy, with visitors spending over $3.2 billion, generating $307 million in tax revenue and supporting 25,796 jobs in 2023."

In 2022, $32.4 billion in travel spending supported over 200,000 jobs in North Carolina. In total, the travel industry produced $2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million U.S. workers in 2023. Travel strengthens businesses across the economy by connecting people and places and contributing to the success of practically every business sector.

The Power Hour agenda included critical topics to the travel industry, such as: ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Western North Carolina; preparing for the upcoming decade of major sporting events coming to the U.S.; the need to lower wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants, currently facing 260+ day wait times on average in key inbound markets; reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports; the need to permanently expand the H-2B worker visa program, which provides temporary workers to support small and seasonal business; airport funding for non-airlines hub airports in high growth markets.

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.