Bipartisan 'Travel Promotion Act' Introduced in U.S. House
from Hotel Interactive
The U.S. Travel Association praised Representatives William Delahunt, D-Mass., and Roy Blunt, R-Mo.,for introducing the "Travel Promotion Act of 2009" - much-needed legislation to create thousands of new jobs and boost economic growth nationwide by attracting millions of new international travelers to the United States. The House of Representatives unanimously passed a similar measure in the 110th Congress, and the House introduction comes as the Senate debates companion legislation. More

Obama Administration Officials "Tuned In" to Meetings
from MeetingsNet
The meetings industry has gotten the attention of the Obama administration and has a strong supporter in Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, according to a high-ranking official with the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, speaking at the Exhibition and Convention Executive Forum in Washington on June 11. More

U.S. Travel Sector Remains Upbeat
from the Inquirer
With the number of foreign visitors to the United States in 2008 still down by 633,000 compared to pre 9-11 figures, these days may not be the best of times for the U.S. travel industry. But for U.S. travel and hospitality executives who took part in the recent annual International Pow Wow in Miami, these days aren’t the worst of times either. More

TSA's Express Security Grounded
from USA Today
More than 250,000 frequent fliers who pay $200 a year to speed through airport security lines lost that privilege Monday when a company that runs the expedited lines went out of business. More

Struggling Airlines Launch More 'A La Carte' Fees at Fliers
from USA Today
Frustration is shared by many fliers who are confronted with an ever-expanding array of fees for services that once were included in the price of an airline ticket. They complain the charges aren't transparent, are misleading and even a rip-off — so much so that William Maloney, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, says Congress may need to force greater disclosure. More

Road-testing the New Mobile Boarding Passes
from the Chicago Tribune
Mobile boarding passes, which allow travelers to download boarding passes to their cell phones, are being used by 17 airlines worldwide, including five U.S. carriers--American, Alaska, Continental, Delta and Northwest. More

U.S. Travel Reduces Registration FeesFor 2009 Marketing Outlook Forum
from the U.S. Travel Association
Recognizing the tough economic times and wanting to help as many as possible get the latest economic forecasts and most up to date industry information, the U.S. Travel Association reduced the registration fee for the 2009 Marketing Outlook Forum by $50 from last year. Registration is now open for this year’s Forum to be held October 26-28 in Little Rock at the Statehouse Convention Center and Peabody Hotel. As an added value, those who register by September 11 will be entered into a drawing to win a complimentary executive hotel suite for the duration of their conference stay. To register, go to www.ustravel.org/mof. More

"Welcome to the United States" Webinar Series To Help Prepare International Travelers for U.S. Visits
from the U.S. Travel Association
Join representatives from U.S. Departments of State, Commerce and Homeland Security for free, interactive webinars designed to help the industry prepare international travelers for their visit to the United States from pre-departure through the entry and exit process. Here’s your chance to ask questions, access educational resources and learn the latest updates on U.S. border security requirements. Click here to access the schedule of upcoming “Welcome to the United States” webinars and details on how to RSVP. More