Secretary Locke Announces Travel and Tourism Advisory Board
WASHINGTON, DC - February 20, 2010 - Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced his decision to appoint the new members of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (Board). The board's new charter expanded membership to include a more diverse and expansive industry representation from private sector participants in the travel and tourism industry. The appointees represent a broad cross-section of the industry including transportation services, financial services, and hotels and restaurants, as well as a mix of small and large firms from across the country.
“The health and stability of the travel and tourism industry touches all regions and impacts employment and economic strength across the country,” said Locke. “I look forward to working with the Travel and Tourism Board to develop policies that can help put Americans back to work in this critical sector.”
The board provides counsel to the Secretary on government policies and programs that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry, and provides a forum for discussing and proposing solutions to industry-related concerns. The Department of Commerce will schedule the board's inaugural meeting in the coming weeks.
Travel and tourism is one of the nation's most significant exports, accounting for 2.7 percent of the nation's GDP and supporting more than eight million jobs. One in every 16 jobs has its roots in the travel and tourism industry.
The most recent board, which ended its term in September 2009, presented recommendations to Secretary Locke at its final meeting, focusing on three key issues: airport congestion, travel facilitation issues and the economic sustainability of the industry.
The full list of members being appointed and other pertinent information is available: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/TTAB/TTAB_Home.html.
Media Contact:
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
[email protected]
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
