[Page H2404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1910
                      GROWING TRAVEL INDUSTRY JOBS

  (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, during Small Business Week here in the 
House, it is timely that we speak about what we need to do to help 
American businesses increase their revenues, hire more workers, and 
grow profits that support our economy.
  The travel industry is an economic powerhouse in the United States, 
with nearly $2.9 trillion annually in economic activity. The U.S. ranks 
behind Spain and France in global competition for travel. China, India, 
and Saudi Arabia are gaining on us. Our market share is 9.1 percent, 
but we can generate 127 million new additional visitors over the next 
decade and $478 billion in additional revenue, which translates into 
$55 billion in tax revenue, creating 140,000 new jobs.
  With upcoming marquee events like the Ryder Cup, the FIFA World Cup, 
and the Summer Olympics, we need to be investing in systems to make the 
experience seamless. This means updating airplane screening technology, 
modernizing TSA, full-strength staffing at Customs and Border 
Protection, and extensive marketing efforts. New York City, which I 
represent in part, is a major worldwide tourist destination.
  There is still time to build this industry to make us the best in the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the U.S. Travel Association for leading the way.

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