Nation's Governors, Marriott and U.S. Travel Association Champion Travel and Tourism to Boost U.S. Recovery
Marriott International, Inc. Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Marriott International, Inc.)
BETHESDA, MD UNITED STATES
WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is the time to turn up the heat to get travel back on the front burner, J.W. "Bill" Marriott, head of one of the world's largest hotel companies, said today.
He joined Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.), head of the National Governors Association, and Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, in warning that with domestic business travel deep in the doldrums and foreign visitors to the U.S. down sharply, it's time to focus on travel and its positive contribution to America's economic well-being. May 11th marks the start of National Travel and Tourism Week, including Travel Rally Day on May 12, during which more than 35 communities around the U.S. have organized rallies and events to trumpet the benefits of travel, including jobs.
"We've just learned from the Commerce Department that international inbound travel to the U.S. fell a full 12 percent during the month of February and is 10 percent below last year to date. Meanwhile, unemployment has hit a 25-year high. These two reports are not unconnected," said Mr. Marriott, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).
"Two weeks ago we reported that our first quarter revenue trends were down in the 20 percent range, reflecting the deepest recession in decades. While there may be signs that business going forward may be stabilizing somewhat, we're at a very low level, and thousands of jobs at our company and others are at stake. We believe there is pent-up global demand to travel to the U.S., but, quite simply, we've got to make it less cumbersome and daunting to come here."
Marriott praised Governor Rendell and the National Governors Association for their strong position promoting travel abroad and increased visitation to the U.S. The Governors' policy statement said, "We believe that travel and tourism can be a stabilizing tool for local economies and serve as a vital part of fueling economic growth."
The statement continued, "The National Governors Association supports efforts to promote and encourage travel and tourism by citizens and business, where appropriate, as a means to help stimulate the economy."
"Travel creates jobs and economic vitality in our communities," said Marriott. "As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, I congratulate the National Governors Association and U.S. Travel Association for raising their voices to get the country moving again on the road to recovery."
Marriott re-stated his support for the Travel Promotion Act, which would establish a public-private campaign jointly managed by government and the private sector, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. The bill, which passed the House in September 2008, will soon be re-introduced in the 111th Congress.
"We're doing our part," said Marriott. "This Friday we're launching a global promotion offering 20 percent off summer rates at more than 2,500 hotels across our portfolio to get travelers back on the road."
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE(R) as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
