U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo recently spoke at the White House, highlighting the economic benefits of travel and tourism to the United States. She was joined by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who hosted the event.

Raimondo emphasized the significance of travel and tourism as a vital part of the U.S. economy, noting that it sustains millions of jobs. "Travel and tourism isn’t just fun and isn’t just meaningful, as you said; it’s real business," she stated. The industry supports nearly 10 million American jobs and contributes $2.3 trillion in economic activity.

The impact of COVID-19 on the travel sector was severe, leading to job losses across the country. In response, measures are being taken to facilitate easier travel to the U.S., which is expected to boost the industry significantly.

Raimondo reported an increase in visitation numbers from 50 million to 66 million last year and projected a full recovery by next year with expectations of reaching 90 million visitors by 2026—a year ahead of schedule.

Efforts are underway to address visa wait times, which were identified as obstacles for travelers. Raimondo expressed gratitude towards her team and acknowledged collaboration with various departments to streamline processes.

She also highlighted upcoming sports events like the Rugby World Cups as opportunities for economic growth, expressing personal enthusiasm due to her past experience as a rugby player.

Concluding her remarks, Raimondo praised Secretary Blinken's leadership and underscored the collaborative efforts between government departments in enhancing services for Americans.

Watch remarks by Secretary Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken here.