Encouraging international travelers to visit the United States is both economically and diplomatically beneficial to our country.  As we know from experience in Hawaii, attracting visitors to the United States requires a great deal of investment in marketing and promotion.

Travel and tourism is Hawaii’s number one industry and, the State actively markets to residents in countries around the world, including Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

 

Most states, however, do not find it economical to devote large resources to international advertising.  That is unfortunate, given the many natural and cultural treasures this country has to share.  Travelers around the world would be willing and eager to spend more time visiting America, if they knew what we have to offer.

 

In 2006, international receipts for travel-related tourism spending reached $107.4 billion.  Travel and tourism exports accounted for seven percent of all U.S. exports and 26 percent of services exports last year.  The travel industry is a driving force for the U.S. economy and its potential has barely been tapped.

 

As an added benefit, tourism greatly advances international goodwill.  Studies have shown that, after visiting the United States and interacting with Americans, 74 percent of visitors have a more favorable opinion of our country. 

 

This does not surprise me because, with all due respect to the State Department, Americans in their natural environment are among the best diplomats in the world.

 

In recent years, however, the international reputation of the United States has suffered.  America became a less desirable destination for international travelers as a result of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. 

 

In addition, in the wake of the attack, the Administration tightened visa application and border entry procedures.  Addressing national security is of paramount importance and we must protect our nation from terrorists.  But some of the changes had the unintended consequence of deterring legitimate international travelers from coming to America.

 

I was pleased that Secretaries Rice and Chertoff initiated the Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision in January 2006 to establish new procedures designed to facilitate travel without compromising security. 

 

Despite good efforts of both agencies, many in the travel and tourism industry continue to express concerns about the efficiency of the visa application process and the perception that the U.S. entry process is unnecessarily antagonistic. 

 

I am interested in hearing from the witnesses on the status of implementing the Joint Vision and their thoughts on the recommendations of groups such as the Discover America Partnership and the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.