On September 4, the travel industry got an White House audience with President Trump when 14 industry leaders made a case for why the administration needs to help increase inbound visitors. The council consisted of the following members. (One can’t help but notice plenty of power neckties but a complete lack of women in the photo marking the occasion.)
- Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association
- Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Kevin Frid, AccorHotels
- Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
- Elie Maalouf, InterContinental Hotels Group
- George Markantonis, Las Vegas Sands Corporation
- Chris Nassetta, Hilton
- Patrick Pacious, Choice Hotels International
- Joe Popolo, Freeman
- James Risoleo, Host Hotels & Resorts Inc.
- Arne Sorenson, Marriott International
- John Sprouls, Universal Parks & Resorts
- Greg Stubblefield, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
- Phil Brown, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (attending in his role as chair of U.S. Travel’s Gateway Airports Council)
The conversation highlighted ways the administration and the travel industry can work together to achieve travel-related growth to support more U.S. jobs and a positive trade balance. Among the policies discussed to help improve inbound travel were expanding and enhancing a secure visa waiver, reauthorization of Brand USA, and developing our transportation infrastructure.
For a report, see the article in Skift here.
