ORLANDO
Speaking at Walt Disney Resort here, President Barack Obama announced a national strategy to boost international arrivals in the United States.
The number of travelers from emerging economies with growing middle classes in China, Brazil, and India are projected to grow by 135 percent, 274 percent and 50 percent, respectively, by 2016 (compared to 2010). With the goal of bringing more of these potential tourists to the U.S., Obama said he will sign an executive order and charge several government agencies to take part in efforts and new initiatives to increase travel.
Some of the initiatives include: a new pilot program and rule change for visa processing in China and Brazil, a final rule to expand and make the Global Entry program permanent, the appointment of new members to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, and the nomination of Taiwan to the Visa Waiver Program.
Obama also directed the Department of Commerce to create a task force to develop a “National Travel & Tourism Strategy.” The task force will coordinate cross-departmental efforts and ensure private sector participation.
“Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America, Obama said. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work,” said Obama.
