Monday, August 12, 2024
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On August 5, the U.S. Travel Association hosted a significant meeting titled “Travel Works for America Power Hour,” featuring U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa and over 20 leaders from Temecula Valley’s travel and business sectors. This session highlighted the essential role of travel in boosting local businesses and the region’s economy.
“Travel is critically important for communities like the Temecula Valley, which rely on travel to power their economy and workforce,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We appreciate the opportunity to join Congressman Issa for a discussion on how Congress can further support the growth of travel to his district and throughout the United States, as well as the leadership of Visit Temecula Valley, who were instrumental in bringing us together.”
“Our Southern California home is blessed to be a premier destination of choice year after year for visitors from across the country and around the world. But how do we keep it that way? Through partnerships and alliances like the U.S. Travel Association and Visit Temecula Valley as we approach a once-in-a-generation opportunity to host a marquee event at LA28: The Games of the XXXIV Olympiad,” said Congressman Darrell Issa. “We can’t wait to team up and showcase Temecula and Galway Downs as the home of the Olympics equestrian competition, so let’s welcome the world and show our very best.”
“Visit Temecula Valley was honored to host Congressman Darrell Issa for an important conversation with more than 20 local tourism stakeholders,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO and President of Visit Temecula Valley. “Tourism is vital to our local economy. It attracts more than 3 million visitors, generates more than $1.1 billion in visitor spending, and creates approximately 9,500 jobs.
“As we begin preparations to host the Equestrian Competition of the 2028 Summer Olympics, we’re grateful to have the support of our partners at U.S. Travel as well as Congressman Issa to help spearhead federal support of local tourism and generate continued investment within our community.”
The discussions tackled pressing issues such as the lengthy visa processing times for U.S. visitors, which currently stretch beyond 300 days for first-time applicants in crucial markets. The agenda also focused on minimizing the delays at U.S. Customs for international travelers entering through major airports.
Key future events like the 2028 Summer Olympics, particularly the Equestrian Competition set for Temecula Valley, were on the table. Other critical points included the push for a permanent expansion of the H-2B visa program to aid small and seasonal businesses reliant on temporary staff, the advantages of cutting-edge facial recognition technology at TSA checkpoints, advocating for complete funding for the newly established Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, and the pivotal role of Brand USA in promoting the U.S. as a travel destination.
