U.S. Travel Association Calls for End to Arizona Travel Boycott

April 30, 2010

Washington, DC - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today called for an end of all Arizona travel boycotts and urged Washington policymakers to do what their constituents have repeatedly asked them to do and address the complex issue of immigration. Dow made the following statement:

“We call for an end to counterproductive Arizona travel boycotts. Immigration reform is an important and sensitive topic for Arizona and the country at large. This complex issue should be resolved on the merits of various proposals, not by holding an industry and its 300,000 employees hostage to politics.

“We appreciate the acknowledgment that travel is a major economic force in Arizona and across the country. We need to protect this critical aspect of our economy and reward hard-working Americans instead of proposing boycotts that will lead to job losses and economic hardship for families and local communities. It is inappropriate to punish the men and women of our industry who have done no harm to others.

“The situation in Arizona further highlights the need for federal action on immigration reform. The longer Congress delays action on this issue, the greater the likelihood for divisive and detrimental policies.”

Contact:
Kristy Chandler 202-408-2172
Cathy Keefe 2020-408-2183

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel’s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. U.S. Travel is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.