CalTravel

News Highlights
Napolitano Proposes Making U.S. Global Entry Program Permanent
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has published a rule that would make Global Entry a permanent program. Right now, Global Entry is a voluntary U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative that lets pre-approved travelers expedite their trips through airport security. (more)

STOCK Act passes Senate
Last night the United States Senate approved the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 (better known as the STOCK Act) by a vote of 96-3. (more)

Marriott, Disney and Best Western Make Multimillion Dollar "Investment in Job Creation and Economic Growth for America"
Brand USA, the national marketing entity charged with promoting the U.S. to international travelers, announced today that Marriott International, the Walt Disney Company and Best Western International have each committed to investing $1 million in cash - along with in-kind commitments. (more)

Simple solution to US economic woes: more international tourists
International tourists are coming to the US in record numbers, prompting some observers to say they are the solution to the continuing economic crisis. Typical reaction is an Atlantic article headlined "How Tourism Can Help Save the US Economy." (more)

Universal Studios Hollywood to Add Harry Potter Attraction
Universal Parks and Resorts has confirmed that it has signed a deal with Warner Brothers Studios to develop "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH). (more)

In California, Asking Voters to Raise Taxes
For 33 years, since the passage of Proposition 13 slashed property taxes in this state, California has been on the leading edge of the tax cut movement that has spread across the nation. But faced with the prospect of withering budget cuts and deficits that stretch through at least the middle of the decade, that may be about to change. (more)

Made in America: Visa Process Slows Down Tourism
In the decade between 2000 and 2010, the number of foreign overseas tourists travelling the world grew by an astounding 60 million. You would think the numbers would grow in the United States as well, but they haven't. Ten years ago 26 million overseas visitors visited the U.S. In 2010, 26.4 million, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group. That's hardly any growth at all. (more)

Made in America: Visa Process Slows Down Tourism
In the decade between 2000 and 2010, the number of foreign overseas tourists travelling the world grew by an astounding 60 million. You would think the numbers would grow in the United States as well, but they haven't. Ten years ago 26 million overseas visitors visited the U.S. In 2010, 26.4 million, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group. That's hardly any growth at all. (more)

DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD Magazine Celebrates 25 Years
Oscar and Nyla Arslanian, publisher and editor of DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD Magazine are to be honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with the 2011 Hollywood Star Award at the annual Entertainment Industry Luncheon on November 16. The Hollywood Star Award is presented to people in the entertainment industry who have made a real contribution to Hollywood and to the industry. The Arslanians have been active in the Hollywood business and arts community for 30 years. (more)

Problem No.1 for Small Businesses: Uncle Sam
What's small business owners biggest problem right now? It's not the economy, consumer confidence or even access to capital. It's the government, a new survey reveals. (more)

US and neighbor Canada looking to lure lucrative leisure travelers
Both the US and Canada finally have a national strategy for bringing in more tourists... finally, and "sort of" because of their newness and so far, at least, unproven efforts. Canada announced its inaugural Federal Tourism Strategy this month, which was called a "momentous and historic occasion for tourism development" in that country by Tony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada. He also called the organization's founding "unprecedented." (more)

Labor Department Reports September Drop in Travel Industry Jobs
The U.S. economy added 103,000 jobs in September, according to the latest Labor Department report on... (more)

Governor Signs Bill Modifying PBID Law
Sacramento, California - October 6, 2011 Governor Brown recently signed SB 194, updating key provisions of the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994. The Law has been used throughout the state to form hundreds of property, business, restaurant, and tourism improvement districts which provide funds for vital improvements and services. (more)

TSA to test risk-based screening at 4 airports on passengers who volunteer more information
A select group of travelers soon might find it easier to get through security checkpoints at four major U.S. airports in return for voluntarily providing more personal information to the federal government as part of a new pilot program. The "PreCheck" program is the first big attempt by President Barack Obama's administration to move away from a one-size-fits-all security approach and toward a more risk-based, intelligence-driven model. (more)

American Travel Marketers Aren't prepared for the flood of affluent Chinese tourists
Global hotel chains, airlines and luxury retailers can expect tens of millions of new customers from China in the coming years, but few Western companies are prepared for this influx or have a clear understanding of exactly what Chinese tourists require and expect for their yuan. In the United States, where one million Chinese tourists will arrive in 2011 to visit the country for leisure trips (and with an average of $6,000 in their pockets ready to be injected in the Nation's economy), very few travel marketers are ready for that. (more)
CalTravel Welcomes our Newest Medal Members
Featured Video

CalTravel's "Three Minute Advocate"
3 Minute Advocate
Share
2012 CalTravel Conference

Register for CTS NOW & Save! 		30th Annual Conference
California Travel Summit
June 4-6, 2012
Sacramento, CA

2012 Award Nomination Survey
Nominate Now.. Feb. 17 Deadline
CalTravel Members Click Here
CTS Sponsorships
Interested in 2012 Sponsorship Contact Lisa Gaynes

Our 2011 Sponsors

The California Travel Association (CalTravel) is California’s only statewide organization representing the “collective” voice of advocacy for Travel, Tourism & Hospitality. Our goal is simple, yet valuable for every business or organization that derives revenues from tourists, local markets or business travelers — “Protect and insure the interests of tourism & hospitality businesses and provide meaningful benefits to the membership”. If you are employed by, or aligned with a business or organization that invests in any promotional effort to stimulate and attract business travelers, vacationers or local residents to your business, we encourage you to get involved with CalTravel. Our mission is to insure your investment through advocacy, education and collaboration.

ADVOCACY
CalTravel with our advocacy partner, Political Solutions of Sacramento, is the unified voice for the California travel industry’s political and legislative concerns. We actively and consistently address issues that affect all areas of California’s tourism industry. CalTravel’s “collective voice” of 900K jobs in travel/tourism and hospitality, enhances and leverages the roles of other advocacy organizations.

Legislative Scorecard

COLLABORATION
California Travel Association (CalTravel) provides its members benefits by partnering with other travel industry organizations such as California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA),California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA), California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (CalARVC), California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), the California Ski Industry Association (CSIA) and others. We provide a variety of forums for engaging with colleagues, and encourage you to join committees and attend board meetings for networking opportunities throughout the year.


EDUCATION
CalTravel’s annual signature event, California Travel Summit (CTS) is the state’s premier educational and networking event for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals. Our members receive discounted registration for CTS. In addition, discounts are available to our members for regional education activities produced by our partnering members.

California Travel Summit


President/CEO J Severini testifies on behalf of Travel & Tourism at Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism & Internet Media Oversight Hearing chaired by the Honorable Nora Campos- September 23, 2011. (more)

Membership Contest extended until April 15. Win a free cruise... details
See how CalTravel PROTECTS your business and industry!
See how YOUR county benefits from Travel,Tourism and Hospitality

New Legislative Scorecard
Click Here
Vendor
Calendar of Events
Click here to view

When you join CalTravel…you're in good company…
Sponsors
CalTravel thanks the above members for their sponsorships!
       
  Follow CalTravel President/CEO
Blogger John Severini's Blog
for the latest updates 		Follow us on:
Facebook Linked In Twitter YouTube