Washington, D.C. - February 21, 2013 – Elected officials across the country will hear of travel's broad and significant economic contributions thanks to a new program the U.S. Travel Association is launching called Travel Blitz.

"Those of us closest to our industry know the critical role travel plays in our nation's economic health, but we must spread that important message to every Member of Congress," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Travel Blitz will activate travel grassroots advocates to engage key Members of Congress and tell personal stories about how travel contributes to the economy and how it provides important jobs throughout communities nationwide."

Travel Blitz will be led by U.S. Travel Association members and their employees and will seek to build long-term relationships with Members of Congress and their staff on key issues facing the industry in the years ahead. Priorities include visa reform, customs and entry issues, the importance of government meetings, and a focus on transportation and infrastructure issues to meet forecasted demand.

With a mission of developing and building champions in Congress for the travel industry and its employees, several tactics will be used to engage Members of Congress, including:

• Travel industry roundtables in their states and districts with local leaders and travel employees;
• Back-of-house tours at airports, hotels and convention centers; and
• Groundbreaking data and research on travel's contributions to the nation's economy.

The name Travel Blitz takes its inspiration from the football play when additional players rush the quarterback. Several elements from football will be infused into the program in the coming months.

More information is available at http://travelcoalition.org/campaigns/travel-blitz.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.  Visit www.ustravel.org.  Follow us on Twitter @ustravel