Introduction of the "Jobs Originated through Launching Travel" (JOLT) act will help boost U.S. economic growth through increased travel, the U.S. Travel Association said, applauding the introduction of the JOLT Act. JOLT is a bipartisan bill that would leverage the benefits of inbound international travel to the United States. The legislation would increase economic growth, create more jobs, generate additional tax revenue and boost U.S. exports, the association says.
"The data is clear – increased international travel to the U.S. will deliver the jolt America's economy needs right now," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Travel works for America. The JOLT Act works for America. And we look forward to working with Congressional stakeholders on both sides of the aisle to enact this critical legislation without delay."
Dow noted that one provision alone in the JOLT Act – expanding the Visa Waiver Program – could increase annual visitation by 4 million, add more than $45 billion to the U.S. economy and support nearly 300,000 American jobs.
The JOLT Act would increase international travel to the United States and all the benefits it brings by:
• Modernizing and expanding the Visa Waiver Program to allow more travelers from countries closely allied to the United States, including Poland, Israel, Chile and Brazil, to enjoy the same visa-free entry that travelers from 37 other countries currently enjoy.
• Facilitating the use of secure videoconferencing to conduct visa interviews by authorizing a pilot program to test feasibility, which would provide increased access to a U.S. visa for potential travelers.
• Expanding the highly successful Global Entry program that allows pre-approved, low-risk international travelers the ability to utilize an expedited clearance process upon entry into the United States.
• Reducing visa wait times to facilitate more and easier travel for international visitors.
"The JOLT Act is a jobs and economic growth bill that harnesses the power of travel to deliver increased revenue and economic opportunity to communities all across America," said Dow. "As America's number one service export that supports one in eight U.S. jobs, travel is an economic engine that powers growth and job creation. "
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