Fifteen industry associations and the U.S Department of Commerce Office of Travel & Tourism Industries gathered at Destination Marketing Association International in Washington, DC February 2 to collaborate on joint policy recommendations that may be submitted to the Presidential Task Force on Tourism, which is charged with delivering a National Travel and Tourism Strategy to President Obama by mid-April.

Representing the U.S. Department of Commerce, Isabel Hill, Acting Director of Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, and Jenna Pilat, Deputy Director of the Office of Advisory Committees, engaged in dialogue and highlighted key points of the Executive Order to which Commerce is taking the lead.

Following a meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Tourism next week, a timeline will be available for DMAI and the travel industry to utilize to provide input and comments from our respective members.

DMAI is committed to advancing the success of destination marketing and recognizes the value of collaborating with these groups to obtain both the economic rewards and cultural understanding that is created by global travel.

If you have comments or suggestions, please contact Kristen Clemens.

Pictured Left to Right: Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association; Eric Hansen, US Travel Association; Janice Smith, American Hotel & Lodging Association; Aubrey King, Western States Tourism Policy Council; Carylann Assante, Student & Youth Travel Association; Jenna Pilat, Office of Advisory Committees, U.S. Dept. of Commerce; Julie Bertoson, United States Tour Operators Association/McBee Strategic; Emily Cassell, Southeast Tourism Society/Arlington CVB; Peter Pantuso, American Bus Association; Patrice Vincent, AAA; Steven Richer, National Tour Association; Patricia Rojas, US Travel Association; Edward Hall, American Indian Alaska Native Travel Association; Isabel Hill, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, U.S. Dept. of Commerce; John Pittman, American Society of Travel Agents; Dianne Farrell, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association; Victoria Isley, Destination Marketing Association International Not pictured: Robin Reck, Interactive Travel Services Association