Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo addressed the economic benefits of U.S. travel and tourism at a recent event at the State Department.

Secretary Blinken highlighted the role of the State Department in issuing visas and passports, which he described as essential for connecting people globally. "We want to make sure that people can travel for work, for education, for tourism, and do it legally, do it safely," he stated. In Fiscal Year 2024, a record 11.5 million visas were issued, including 8.5 million visitor visas—a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

Blinken noted that visa wait times have decreased by nearly 60 percent since the pandemic's acute phase, with median wait times now under 60 days for first-time visitor visa interviews. The department plans to add an additional one million visa appointments in Fiscal Year 2025.

The issuance of passports also reached new heights with 24.5 million passport books and cards distributed in Fiscal Year 2024. A new online passport renewal program has reduced turnaround time from a month to a week.

"This is a matter for real people, real lives," Blinken emphasized regarding the impact on families and businesses worldwide.

Secretary Raimondo echoed these sentiments while highlighting job creation within the travel and tourism sector: "Travel and tourism isn’t just fun...it’s real business." She noted that this industry supports nearly ten million American jobs and contributes $2.3 trillion in economic activity annually.

Raimondo acknowledged COVID-19's severe impact on travel but expressed optimism about recovery projections: "By next year, we’re projecting that the industry will be fully recovered from COVID."

She praised collaboration between departments to address visa wait times as an obstacle to commerce: "This is an example of the State Department working with the Commerce Department hand in glove."

Both secretaries underscored upcoming major sporting events like FIFA World Cup and Olympics as opportunities for economic growth through increased international visitation.

In closing remarks filled with camaraderie humorously referencing past rugby experiences—"No one better to be in scrum with than Gina"—both leaders affirmed their commitment towards facilitating global mobility benefiting both America’s economy & international relations alike.