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It probably comes as no surprise that the influx of international travelers is a boon to the US economy. If there was any doubt about how global economies are connected, the effects were fully felt when air travel was greatly reduced a few years ago. With inbound international visitors lagging at around 70 percent of 2019 levels (estimated, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office), organizations like the US Travel Association (USTA) are continuing to urge the US to reduce barriers for tourism once again flourish, with the hope that it will finally exceed previous pre-pandemic levels.
According to an article from USTA Economist Aaron Szyf, “The slow return of overseas travelers has been difficult on US retailers who rely on [international travelers’] spending. In 2022, overseas retail spending was at roughly half of pre-pandemic levels, a loss of $12 billion. With overseas travel only 73 percent recovered so far in 2023, we are on track to see an additional loss of more than $6 billion in retail spending this year.”
Despite extremely strong retail spending in the US—in fact, July 2023 set a new record at $605B, according to the Department of Commerce—much of that is felt online as e-commerce (as well as inflation) continues to chip away at in-person spending. Mega online retailer Amazon reported its most successful Prime Day, its annual event with special deals and discounts, this past July. While in-store purchases grew faster than e-commerce for the first time in 2021, it has since leveled off. International visitors eliminate that gap to help bolster those retailers that rely on brick-and-mortar establishments, like dining and other discretionary spending.
But Szyf also stresses the benefit that inbound tourism has on the local economy by way of jobs and tax revenue. For major cities like New York and San Fransisco, that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars just from international visitors alone—especially at a time when these major and minor destinations can use the revenue.
Earlier in the year, visa wait times were a serious impediment for all sectors of inbound travel to the US—with wait times requiring a multi-year lead time in the worst cases—but the Biden administration has made some headway in recent months, thanks in part to pressure from travel associations like USTA. As USTA looks ahead, the organization will continue to focus on all areas of travel, including international inbound travel, meetings and events, leisure, and business, with the aim of growing travel as well as helping retailers to grow and thrive.
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[09.05.23]
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Time’s running out! The Early Bird Rate for the CD/NLA Show in Orlando expires on September 8. Now’s your chance to take advantage of incredible savings for our event. Register today for just $449! But wait… NLA Members save an additional $75! That’s just $374 for four days of education, networking, and fun. Don’t snooze on this amazing money-saving opportunity. Register today!
But, you may be asking, “What’s included in with the event?” Well, your price of admission for our October 22-25 show contains more than 16 hours of educational programming, including classroom and roundtable sessions; dedicated networking events, such as the Operator Mentoring Program, Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, and the Women in the Industry Event; two open-bar evening parties, including our Opening Night Party on the Show Floor (sponsored by TEMSA) and an unforgettable Halloween Costume Party (sponsored by ANB Trans, Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation); our world-class show floor, featuring vehicle manufacturers and vendors representing all aspects of the industry; three breakfasts and two lunches; and the opportunity to expand your business network at every corner. For a full rundown of the CD/NLA Show’s schedule and offerings, click here.
We’re thrilled to be bringing back the CD/NLA Show to the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for the first time since 2017. To commemorate our return, we’re offering an incredible room block rate of $249/night with resort fees included. This newly expanded and renovated property—the largest of the Gaylord resorts—features freshly updated rooms overlooking the water park or the hotel’s famous indoor atrium. You’re just steps away from our meeting and exhibit space in the all-under-one-roof convention center, not to mention tons of fine dining at the property’s nine restaurants and sports bars. We invite you to book your room now, as our room blocks always sell out.
While you’re registering for the show and your room, why not take a moment to sign up for the Operator Mentoring Program? In this event, you will be paired with a group led by two Mentors, a young and dynamic entrepreneur as well as a wise, established leader—both seasoned professionals—for a conversation like no other. You can ask questions, seek invaluable advice, and swap ideas and tips with your Mentors as well as your group. Register early for your best chance at picking your preferred mentors but note that the roster may be subject to change. In the event that your group is full, or your Mentor is unable to attend, you will be accommodated and welcomed into another group.
Are you looking to use the CD/NLA Show to expand your affiliate network? Look no further than our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), our interactive meet-and-greet event. As the industry continues to evolve with new operators and markets, the significance of fostering a robust roster of trusted affiliates cannot be overstated. If you’re looking for even more visibility at the show where interested affiliates come right to you, consider purchasing a table where you and your company reps can interact directly with potential business partners and display all your collateral. Contact Jess Pavlow at 856.452.0323. First come, first served. A limited number of tables are available.
As always, we’d like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of the show, including Title Sponsor Volvo.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[08.29.23]
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L to R: Jason Gogel, Robert Colucco, Scholarship Winner Margaret Wilk, Gregorz Wilk, and Shawn Corcoran
Last year, New Jersey-based My Limo—which is celebrating 40 years in the industry—established a new scholarship program that would award financial assistance to children of the company’s employees who met the program’s qualifications. This year, they awarded three recipients for achievements in academic excellence and community service.
The winners are:
Academic Excellence Scholarship: Margaret Wilk, daughter of Chauffeur Gregory Wilk, is entering her junior year at St. Michaels College and currently holds a cumulative GPA of 3.754.
L to R: Jason Gogel, Sarah McClure, Scholarship Winner Nicholas Forero and Shawn Corcoran
Community Service Scholarship: Nicholas Forero Aguilera, son of Car Rental Agent Julio Forero, is entering his freshman year at Drew University. Nicholas graduated from Randolph High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.33 while playing competitive soccer and working as a detailer with the company’s Car Rental Division.
Robert Colucco, Sarah McClure, Angel Roman, Scholarship Winner Lourdes Roman, Shawn Corcoran and Jason Gogel
President’s Scholarship: Lourdes Roman, daughter of Director of Chauffeur Services Angel Roman, is currently enrolled in graduate studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy Certificate.
The company convened a Scholarship Committee, which consisted of Director of Client Services Jason Gogel, Senior Director of Charter & Group Services Shawn Corcoran, General Manager JoAnn Mosquera, Director of Sales and Marketing Robert Colucco, Senior Dispatcher Ed Bartlett, Call Center Agent Sarah McClure, and Chauffeur Bob Siberine. They met during the summer to review applications.
Congrats to all the winners!
Visit mylimo.com for more information.
[08.29.23]