The U.S. Travel Association (formerly the Travel Industry Association) today praised the Senate confirmation of former Washington Governor Gary Locke to serve as U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said "We look forward to working with the incoming Secretary of Commerce to develop comprehensive strategies to create American jobs, boost our economy and strengthen America's image abroad by attracting more overseas travelers to the United States.
"We are confident that Governor Locke understands the benefits of travel and that he and the entire Obama Administration are allies in helping the United States welcome more visitors," Dow continued. "As Governor Locke told the U.S. Senate during his confirmation hearing, 'I'd like to work with you on a greater emphasis on tourism, because that's money that comes into...local communities, businesses, and those visitors leave, and we don't have to worry about some of the impact of education [and] schooling. More than ever, our government needs a concrete plan to attract overseas visitors to the United States.”
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