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.
Matternet founder and CEO Andreas Raptopoulos on the state of drone delivery in the U.S. and what it will take to make aerial delivery a mainstream reality.
Fintech pioneer Tom Sosnoff discusses the evolution of retail investing, the rise of AI, and his new platform Lossdog aimed at the next generation of trading.
The FAA prepares to select cities for its eVTOL pilot program, marking a major step toward electric air taxis and the future of urban air mobility in the U.S.
Rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict are driving up gas and airfare costs, creating new challenges for travelers heading into the spring break season.
The Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era tariffs, limiting presidential trade powers and raising questions about refunds, global trade, and business impact.
