U.S. Travel Joins Rep. Andy Harris for “Travel Works” Power Hour in Cambridge, Maryland

The U.S. Travel Association joined Rep. Andy Harris, the Maryland Tourism Coalition, Visit Harford, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and local leaders for a "Travel Works for America" Power Hour at the Economic Development Office in Cambridge, Maryland on Monday, December 16. The discussion focused on travel's essential contributions to the region's businesses, workforce and economy.

"Participating in this important discussion with Congressman Harris, the Maryland Tourism Coalition, Visit Harford, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and local leaders was a valuable opportunity to highlight travel's impact on Maryland's economy," said Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy at U.S. Travel. "We are committed to furthering our partnership with Congressman Harris to expand the travel sector both locally and nationwide."

"The tourism industry as well as domestic travel are important economic factors both in my district and across Maryland-people come from all over to enjoy our natural resources, beaches, and mountains," said Congressman Harris. "I was pleased to participate in this informative roundtable and to hear from industry leaders on key issues we can work together on to encourage tourism in our state."

"Not everyone is able to attend Destination Capitol Hill, but the U.S. Travel Power Hours offer our members a valuable opportunity to meet with Federal representatives about local issues in their districts," said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director for the Maryland Tourism Coalition. "The Maryland Tourism Coalition is grateful to Representative Andy Harris for his time and attention to key topics such as the H-2B visa, Maryland's infrastructure, and the many of the issues pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay such as blue catch fish processing, windfarms and protecting our local watermen and fisheries."

In 2022, $20.4 billion in travel spending supported 111,000 jobs in Maryland. In total, the travel industry produced $2.8 trillion in economic output and supported 15 million U.S. workers in 2023. Travel strengthens businesses across the economy by connecting people and places and contributing to the success of practically every business sector.

The Power Hour agenda included critical topics to the local and national travel industry, such as: the need to lower wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants, currently facing 230+ day wait times on average in key inbound markets; reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports; investing in technology to revolutionize airport screening; investing in travel mobility and infrastructure, and the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Consortium.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.