The U.S. travel industry continues to be one of the prime drivers of our nation's economic recovery, adding 7,000 new American jobs in April, bringing total direct employment to 7,581,000, according to David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association. Huether offered his analysis on the Labor Department report on April 2012 employment numbers.
Travel job growth was driven by the restaurant, lodging and airline sectors, offsetting declines in amusements, gambling and recreation, he reports.
Travel-generated employment has risen by 48,700 in the first four months of 2012, contributing 6.1 percent of all non-farm jobs added during the same period, he says.
"Yet even amidst this growth, barriers to travel abound – from airport security hassles and crumbling infrastructure to high fuel costs and a visa system that can deter overseas travelers from visiting the U.S. Reducing or eliminating these barriers will strengthen our economy and create jobs by encouraging more Americans to travel the country and welcoming more international visitors to come to the U.S.," Huether said.
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