The nomination of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) as U.S. Secretary of State earned praise from Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Kerry was nominated by President Obama and if approved by the Senate will replace retiring Hillary Clinton at the State Department.
"There are few jobs in the United States government more important to both our security and our economy than Secretary of State. In selecting Sen. John Kerry for this critical position, the President has nominated a public servant of integrity, experience and vision. Sen. Kerry will keep the United States safe in a dangerous world while also promoting American products and services around the globe," Dow said in a statement.
"It is well known that Sen. Kerry has proven his skills in numerous sensitive overseas missions on behalf of our nation. In addition, he has embodied the very best in American public diplomacy by conveying so clearly that we welcome international visitors. From Boston's Freedom Trail to the California coastline, and across the great American heartland between, Sen. Kerry understands that the most effective ambassador for our values abroad is the ordinary American – and the most effective antidote to strife among nations is direct engagement," Dow said.
"In that context, Sen. Kerry has long been a champion for improving our visa and entry process – efforts on which the State Department has made remarkable progress over the last year. The domestic economic impact has been equally staggering, helping the travel industry generate new jobs this year at an unprecedented rate. From eliminating delays in visa applications to expanding the Visa Waiver Program, we will continue to work closely with Sen. Kerry to convey to the world that the United States is open for business," Dow said.
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