President’s Travel & Tourism Initiative to Create Florida Jobs

WASHINGTON – Earlier today at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, the President announced his executive order that calls for a strategic effort to improve job growth and make the United States the world’s top travel and tourism destination.

“This is wonderful news for Florida,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). “The President’s plan will help boost tourism in the Sunshine state and across the country. More tourism in Florida means more jobs in Florida, and that’s a win-win for everyone.”

Florida has a $65 billion annual tourism industry, and nationwide the industry represents nearly three percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is responsible for some 7.5 million jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Another key component of the executive order includes streamlining the tourist visa process, with a focus on visitors from China and Brazil.

The President has called for a task force to develop a national tourism strategy that promotes America’s national parks, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, monuments and other public lands that could appeal to international travelers. He has also asked the Commerce Department to establish a website to help foreign travelers who are planning trips to the U.S.

The order also appoints new members to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, made up of 32 private sector CEOs, from all areas of travel and tourism, to address ways to improve international travel and the visa process, among other issues.