The U.S. Travel Association conducted a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour with Congressman Scott Peters and more than 20 San Diego area travel and business leaders at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority on Tuesday, August 27, demonstrating the tangible impact that travel has on the local region and businesses.

“Travel is a critical driver of the economy and workforce in communities like San Diego,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “We appreciate the opportunity to join Congressman Peters for a discussion on how Congress can further support the growth of travel to his district and throughout the United States, as well as the leadership of the San Diego Tourism Authority who were instrumental in bringing us together.”

“Whether it’s families visiting the San Diego Zoo, visitors exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, or beachgoers enjoying the sun at La Jolla Shores, tourism fuels our economy and sustains our communities,” said Congressman Peters.

“Today’s meeting with Congressman Scott Peters and U.S. Travel demonstrates the importance of collaboration between our tourism industry and government officials,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of San Diego Tourism Authority. “Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, contributing $22 billion and providing one in eight jobs. These discussions are crucial for addressing challenges and opportunities at both federal and local levels. By strengthening our relationships with Congressman Peters and other policymakers, we can ensure San Diego’s tourism industry continues to thrive, benefiting our entire community.” 

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The Power Hour agenda included critical topics such as the need to lower wait times for U.S. visitor visas—especially for first-time applicants, which exceed 280 days on average in key visa-requiring markets—as well as reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports.

Participants highlighted the need to permanently expand the H-2B worker visa program, with a focus on supporting small and seasonal businesses that depend on temporary workers; and the benefits to travelers of innovative facial identity verification technology at TSA airport checkpoints. The group also discussed the need to secure full funding for the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce; opportunities for Congress to modernize travel through another major infrastructure bill; and the importance of Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization for the United States.