By Tom McClimon
February 3, 2003

With progress being made on the travel and tourism front, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Chair of the Conference's Travel and Tourism Task Force, gave the mayors an overview of the state of travel and tourism in America. Joining her in her presentation were Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and Chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable, and Michael Gehrisch, President and CEO of the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.

In her remarks, Mayor Franklin reported on the recent action by the Senate to include in the FY'03 Omnibus Appropriations bill, $50 million to the Department of Commerce to award grants to support an international marketing campaign. The language also establishes a U.S. Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board. Mayor Franklin pledged that the Conference would work to see that this language is included in the final appropriations bill when it is considered by the Senate and House. Mayor Franklin also announced that her Travel and Tourism Task Force would meet again April 8 and participate the next day in a national summit on travel and tourism being hosted by the national Chamber of Commerce and the Travel Business Roundtable.

Travel and tourism is often the "lifeblood" of our cities, Jonathan Tisch stated in his remarks. "Travel and tourism unites cities. Together we are the heart of this country." Mr. Tisch talked about the importance of the U.S. having an international marketing campaign. He pointed out that for every dollar spent by France on destination marketing, it sees a return of $488. He encouraged the mayors and the Conference to continue their efforts to establish an international marketing campaign and to have the President appoint Presidential Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism.

Michael Gehrisch in his remarks pointed to the 10-point action plan adopted at the October meeting as a "jump start" to helping to "achieve and promote an international marketing system." He pointed out how cities benefit from a strong convention and tourism business. Last year, Atlanta got a $2.5 billion return on its $18 million program to attract conventions and visitors. Orlando spent $34 million and got a return of $3.6 billion. He encouraged the mayors to keep this kind of investment return in mind as they make decisions in the future concerning their travel and tourism dollars.