In case you missed the press release last week, GRCVB joined with the U.S. Travel Association, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, area business leaders and other economic development stakeholders for a ​“Travel Works for America” Power Hour on Oct. 24. The discussion, held at RDU International Airport, focused on travel's essential contributions to our region's businesses, workforce and economy.

The Power Hour agenda included topics critical to the travel industry, such as:

  • preparing for the upcoming decade of major sporting events;
  • the need to lower wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants (currently facing 260+ day wait times, on average) in key inbound markets;
  • reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports;
  • the need to permanently expand the H-2B worker visa program, which provides temporary workers to support small and seasonal business;
  • and airport funding for non-airline-hub airports in high-growth markets.

​“Our meeting with Congresswoman Ross, a dedicated advocate for tourism in Raleigh, along with U.S. Travel, provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion on both the challenges and opportunities facing our industry both locally and nationally,” said GRCVB president and CEO Dennis Edwards. “Tourism plays a vital role in Raleigh and Wake County’s economy, with visitors spending over $3.2 billion, generating $307 million in tax revenue and supporting 25,796 jobs in 2023.”

Pictured above (left to right) are: RDU president and CEO Michael Landguth, AAE; Edwards; U.S. Rep. Ross; and U.S. Travel senior director of government relations Andrew Newhart.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, nonprofit organization representing all components of the American travel industry—an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. Other businesses/organizations represented at the Oct. 24 Power Hour included the Carolina Hurricanes, City of Raleigh/Raleigh Convention Center, CMC Hotels, Raleigh Economic Development, Regional Transportation Alliance, Trophy Brewing Co., Visit North Carolina and Wake County Government.

Read comprehensive details in the press release here.