PRESS RELEASE

April 9, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debra Kelman Loew
212.794-3577

TRAVEL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE (TBR) RELEASES POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND THE 108TH CONGRESS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the travel and tourism industry continues to face the challenges of a struggling economy and the impact of global events, the Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) has released its Policy Recommendations for the Bush Administration and the 108th Congress – America’s Passport to Success.

As the preeminent voice on governmental matters affecting the industry, TBR outlined key policy recommendations to address the new challenges facing the industry as well as efforts that would promote the United States as a travel destination of choice.

Among them are:

• Restoring Confidence in American Travel and Tourism
• Promoting the American Brand
• Strengthening the Workforce through initiatives such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Welfare to Work Tax Credit, and Workforce Training and Education
• Full Restoration of the Business Meal Entertainment and Spousal Travel Tax Deductions
• Elimination of the Frequent Flyer Tax
• Revising the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines
• Ensuring the Vitality of America’s Transportation Infrastructure

In addition, TBR continues to advocate the creation of a Presidential Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism. Originally proposed by TBR in March 2001, the Council should be established now to provide guidance to the federal government on matters involving national tourism development.

“With the continued challenges of a stagnant economy, the war in Iraq, threats of terrorism, and other national and global events that impact the travel and tourism industry, it is more important than ever to work together with government as our partners,” notes Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of TBR and Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. “TBR has always focused on educating elected officials on the economic significance of our industry, and this updated version of the challenges facing us and how to best address them is an important tool for continuing that work.”

And, though lower prices and increased security measures helped get Americans traveling again following the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the perceived “hassle factor” associated with travel, anxiety about international conflict and terrorist threats, an international health crisis, along with ongoing economic uncertainty remain barriers to growth.

Travel and tourism directly and indirectly employs 18 million people, or one out of every seven people in the private sector workforce. It is responsible for more than half a trillion dollars in economic activity and nearly $99 billion in tax revenues. In 2001, the nation experienced a 12 percent decrease in international travel with a total of 44.9 million visitors. Currently, the U.S. ranks as the third most popular international travel destination behind France and Spain. To help regain international market share, Congress recently passed legislation providing $50 million to establish a destination marketing campaign for the United States.

Demonstrating TBR’s ongoing commitment to bringing the public and private sectors together, TBR co-hosted an historic travel and tourism conference with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Re-Igniting Growth in Travel and Tourism” was held on April 9 in Washington, D.C. and brought together members of the Bush Administration and Congress, mayors and CEOs from travel related companies to discuss how to revitalize the industry. Among the speakers was Donald Evans, Secretary of Commerce.

At the conference, TBR also debuted a new video to help celebrate and promote travel and tourism to the U.S. The award winning music group, Lonestar, lent their #1-hit song “What About Now” as the track for the music montage that includes images of destinations and travel experiences from across the country. The band, which spends most of its time on the road, also recorded an introduction to the video noting that “every trip you take contributes to the creation of jobs, the development of communities, and the growth of businesses.” The video will be shown by numerous travel related companies through their in-house entertainment programming.

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