- Details
- Category: Industry News
It’s been a full year since the Biden administration reopened the US borders to inbound air travelers in November 2021 and wait times exceeding 400 days for visitor visa applicants continues to hamper the recovery of the international travel sector, says the US Travel Association (USTA).
Visa interview wait times for potential first-time travelers from Brazil, India, and Mexico are now 317, 757, and 601 days, respectively. These excessive delays are the equivalent of a travel ban, driving potential US visitors to choose other countries, according to the association, which could result in a loss of nearly $12 billion in projected spending in 2023.
“A year ago, the images of planes and travelers headed to the US were cause for celebration after nearly two years of border closures,” says USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman. “Today, a full year since that joyful moment, a massive visa backlog has driven many of our potential visitors to go elsewhere. It’s a setback the Biden administration should be fully committed to solving.”
To bring attention to the issue, the association will launch a campaign later this month to highlight those affected directly by the backlog and its direct impact on the US economy and businesses. Part of the campaign will include a new website that will invite affected global travelers and small business owners to share a testimonial about how it is impacting them, as well as highlight policy priorities to help expedite processing in key foreign source markets of travel to the US. The campaign will also include social media using the hashtag #TheyWaitWeLose.
New forecasting analysis from Tourism Economics confirms the critical nature of the visa processing delays as inbound travel is projected to remain far below pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and 2023—resulting in a loss of nearly 50 million visitors over the two years and $140 billion in inflation adjusted travel spending. This reflects a downgrade of 8 million visitors in 2022 and 2023 combined—and $28 billion in travel spending—from the June 2022 forecast.
“The forecast is further proof that the US simply cannot afford to turn away high-spending international travelers,” says Freeman. “While other economic factors may be out of our control, reducing visitor visa wait times is easily within the Biden administration’s reach if only they would make it a priority.”
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[11.08.22]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The list has been announced! Ten operators from across the country are vying for five open seats in the next National Limousine Association (NLA) Board election, NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide announced in his recent weekly President’s Message.
The candidates are:
At Large (one open seat): Matt Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide
Central Region (one open seat): Maya Adrine of Golden Limousine International and Charlie Murray of Total Transportation
Northeast Region (one open seat): Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine and Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation
Southeast Region (one open seat): Gary Arrington of Party Over Here/Virginia Premium Transportation Services and Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground
West Region (one open seat): Simon Chen of Eight Black Cars, Tiffany Hinton of Motev, and Alan Waxler of AWG Ambassador
Elections are scheduled to run from November 21-23, and eligible members will receive more information in the coming weeks, according to the NLA.
“It is great to see so many members looking to get involved and share their passion to support the NLA and industry,” Alexander noted in his message.
Those interested in hearing more from the candidates are invited to the upcoming NLA Membership Meeting, which will take place on November 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National Harbor. You can register for the event at cdnlashow.com.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[11.08.22]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Are you ready? It’s finally here! We’re headed to the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center this November 13-16 for four days of education, networking, and fun. This venue received rave reviews from our attendees when we held our show here in 2018, thanks to its convenient, all-under-one-roof location in the center of National Harbor—not to mention the nearby restaurants, bars, and casino. The good news is, there is still time to join the exciting influx of last-minute registrants for our return to the Northeast. Just head on over to the dedicated page at cdnlashow.com to register today.
By now, you’re undoubtedly more than a little interested in the events and sessions we have to offer during the 2022 CD/NLA Show, and who can blame you? But if there were only a simple and easy way to get the lowdown on the entire show and plan your time in National Harbor… Well, thanks to returning sponsor North Point Global Transportation Services, the show app is here! Just head to your favorite app store and search for CD NLA Shows to download the newest version of our show app. It’s easy, free, and we’re adding new information every day.
This app is your gateway to all our show’s exhibitors, attendees, speakers, events, floor plans, and so much more—in other words, everything you need to navigate the CD/NLA Show. Connect with exhibitors and other attendees, find out more information about our speakers and sessions, access PowerPoints from our educational lineup, view hotel and show floor maps, and plan out your schedule in one convenient place. It’s all here!
Women In the Industry Guest Speaker Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears
For instance, it’s where you can find breaking information about our perennial favorite, Women in the Industry Networking Event. Join us as special guest speaker Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears opens the session with an engaging and inspiring address. Not only is Lt. Governor Sears the first woman to hold the position in the commonwealth, but she is also a seasoned businesswoman and a Marine vet. The rest of the event features a brand-new format where you will have the chance to play “Team Building Tower”—a fun and interactive way to get to know your female peers. We’ll divide into groups where you will put your stacking skills to the test in a game of Jenga! But this isn’t any regular Jenga game; all participants will get the opportunity to answer questions about themselves and their businesses to help attendees connect. Don’t miss this new take on one of the show’s most enduring events! Thanks to event sponsors Carolina Limousine & Coach and Urban Worldwide.
And speaking of favorites… Don’t forget to sign up to take part in our Operator Mentoring Program. Always among the most popular events at the show year after year, this event gives operators an invaluable opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most iconic names and successful owners in a roundtable format. This long-running hit gives the intimate group—made up of representatives from non-competing markets around the country—a chance to contribute and bring fresh ideas to the conversation. This is one group discussion you do not want to miss!
We can’t wait to have you join us in National Harbor on November 13-16 for what promises to be an exciting fall show. Special thanks to our sponsors, especially Title Sponsor Ford Pro. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the banks of the Potomac!
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[11.08.22]