As global tourism continues to grow, hitting 1.5 billion international tourists in 2019, the marketing firm Brand USA has been charged with drawing in more of those tourists to "the most aspirational destination in the world," CEO Chris Thompson told Cheddar Wednesday.
Last month, Congress renewed its public-private partnership with Brand USA as part of the federal spending bill, ensuring the company will be able to continue its work with the government through the fiscal year 2027.
"Our partnership with the federal government is to grow travel as an export," Thompson said.
The company has partnerships at the local and state level to help market the U.S. as a major travel destination and works with brands "that deliver experiences," like hotel chains, amusement parks, and car rental services.
While political infighting often makes headlines at home, Thompson says these types of issues do not tend to affect tourism numbers.
"The amazing thing about travel and tourism is it really transcends politics," he said. "There are things that might be affecting anyone's opinion of the U.S. at any moment," but he said, visitors from around the world still flock to visit.
The World Tourism Organization reported this week that the U.S. led the world last year in absolute growth of tourism spending with help from the strength of the U.S. dollar.
Jeremy Jansen, Head of Global Supply Chain and Trade Sales at Wells Fargo, helps us understand how trade will be affected by tariffs implemented by Trump.
Kory Kantenga, Head of Economics for the Americas at LinkedIn, talks the current state of the labor market and how it has evolved since the pandemic. Watch!
Caraway CEO, Jordan Nathan, joins Cheddar to discuss how one bad accident turned into a successful business venture and how it will help you in the kitchen.
Chelsey Dulaney, reporter from The Wall Street Journal, takes us inside her piece about American Exceptionalism Trade and explains how it will affect consumers.
Sunset Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hugh Garvey, talks the latest issue on the LA fires' threat to the California dream and the importance of the recovery efforts.
