WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR), in light of the recent terrorist attacks on the United States, said that it is taking steps to assist the U.S. travel industry in some of the negative effects it may experience from the changed travel environment that now exists. The TBR “stands ready to work with the United States government to expedite the creation of a Presidential Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism,” said officials. The Council, which was proposed to President Bush and members of Congress by TBR on May 1 “can bring the public and private sectors together to work towards strengthening security for the traveling public as well as collaborating on effective policies to maintain the nation’s third largest retail industry and second largest service export, which contributed a $17-billion trade surplus last year.” TBR over the past few months has held meetings with officials at the white House to discuss the Council and “is pleased with the progress,” said officials. During the past week, TBR has “engaged with the Admnistration, not only on the Presidential Advisory Council proprosal, but also on the concept of organizing a summit for travel and tourism industry leaders and the Administration in the near future.” In making the announcements, Jonathan Tisch, chairman of the TBR, expressed his sympathy for those who have been affected by the terrorist attacks, while offering thanks to those who have been involved in recovery efforts. “As a New Yorker, I have been moved by the outpouring of support from around the country, and uplifted by the strength and will of human spirit,” he said.
