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For Immediate Release: May 10, 2010
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
National Export Initiative Highlighted During Travel and Tourism Week
WASHINGTON – The travel and tourism industry, which contributed $1.25 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2009, is a critical component of President Obama’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling U.S. exports and supporting 2 million jobs during the next five years. National Travel and Tourism Week, May 9-15, celebrates this important industry sector.
Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez drew attention to impact the travel and tourism industry has on the American economy during a recent tour of Port Everglades in South Florida.
“National Travel and Tourism Week is the perfect time for the International Trade Administration to highlight this crucial American industry,” Sánchez said. “The American economy is now growing at a rate of more than three percent, and the travel and tourism industry is an important part of that growth.”
Travel and tourism supports more than 8.2 million U.S. jobs, and is among the top three largest employers in 25 states and U.S. territories. One out of every 16 Americans work, either directly or indirectly, in travel and tourism-related industries.
“The ultimate purpose of the NEI is to increase exports and create jobs, thereby improving lives,” Sánchez stated. “Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest services sector exporter, representing 24 percent of all U.S. services exports and eight percent of total U.S. exports.”
For more information about the travel and tourism industry, please visit http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/.
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International Trade Administration
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