Travel to US Will Aid Clinton's 'Smart Power' Mission
USTA Research Shows Visitors to United States Support Country, Policies
WASHINGTON, DC, Januaery 22, 2009 - Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA)(formerly Travel Industry Association), released the following statement on the confirmation of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State and her commitment to "smart power":
"We support Senator Clinton's 'smart power' goal for the new Administration, and believe travel is an underused tool in America's public diplomacy efforts. Welcoming more visitors to the United States should be a top priority for the State Department and entire Obama Administration. Research shows that those who have visited the United States are more favorable towards America and her policies. Not only do those who visit have a better view of America, but nine out of ten travelers tell their friends and relatives about their travel experiences.
"We believe that this new Administration, with its dedication to a fresh approach, should unlock the power of people-to-people diplomacy by creating a travel promotion program, expanding the Visa Waiver Program and improving the overall visa and entry experience for foreign visitors. Surveys of foreign travelers reveal that they are more concerned about how they will be treated at customs than the threat of crime or terrorism when considering a trip to the United States.
"The United States is the only major industrialized nation without a national travel promotion effort that works to welcome travelers and explain America's complex and ever-changing travel security policies. We encourage President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to establish the type of nationally coordinated effort outlined in the Travel Promotion Act, which they co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate in 2008. The diplomacy benefits reaped by such an undertaking will multiply rapidly as visitors bring home a better understanding of our country and our people."
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