Begich, Bonner and Farr to Address Summit Luncheon

April 19, 2012

Three co-chairs of the U.S. Senate and Congressional Tourism Caucuses will be featured speakers at the Congressional Tourism Leaders Luncheon at the Grassroots Congressional Travel Summit (May 8–10).

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) and Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) will share their analyses of current tourism issues at the luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, in the Hart Senate Office Building. The congressmen will cover pressing issues such as visa legislation, transportation appropriations, public lands policy and both domestic and international marketing of the United States as a destination.

The event, set during National Tourism Week, is jointly sponsored by the Destination Marketing Association International, NTA and the Southeast Tourism Society. Co-sponsors are the American Bus Association, American Indian Alaska Native Travel Association, American Society of Travel Agents, Interactive Travel Services Association, National Parks Hospitality Association, NYC & Company, Student & Youth Travel Association, United Motorcoach Association, U.S. Travel Association and the Western States Tourism Policy Council.

The morning session on May 8 will be highlighted by special presentations by Joel Secundy, vice president of strategic outreach for Brand USA, and Todd Davidson, CEO of the Oregon Tourism Commission and chairman of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Council. Secundy and Davidson will present plans, goals and strategies for increasing inbound and domestic tourism to boost the national economy and create more jobs.

Afternoon discussions will focus on visa issues, surface transportation, national parks and marketing. Attendees at the Summit can use the information provided on May 8 during visits to members of Congress and their staffs on May 9 and 10.

For more information about the Summit—and to register, follow this link.