On October 8, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition convened at IMEX America in Las Vegas, hosting a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour discussion featuring United States Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. The event, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, focused on the essential contributions of the travel industry to America’s economy and workforce, particularly emphasizing the importance of business and group travel to Nevada and the broader U.S. market.

More than 50 travel industry leaders from across the country, including representatives from destinations, travel businesses, and trade groups, gathered to discuss industry priorities and hear from Senator Cortez Masto. The senator, known for her advocacy of travel and tourism, highlighted the sector's significant impact on Nevada’s economy and its role in creating jobs and supporting communities.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring the Meetings Mean Business Coalition together with Senator Cortez Masto for a discussion on the value of travel and its far-reaching impact on the U.S. economy,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Policy. “Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for travel, and we look forward to our continued work in support of the growth of travel to Nevada and across the nation.”

Senator Cortez Masto underscored the importance of Nevada’s tourism, convention, and travel sectors, not only for the state but also for the national economy. “I’ll continue partnering with organizations like U.S. Travel to promote these industries and encourage more travelers to experience everything Nevada has to offer,” she said.

The event highlighted critical issues facing the travel industry, such as reducing wait times for visitor visas, preparing for upcoming major sporting events in the U.S., and improving the efficiency of U.S. Customs processing. Additionally, the need to expand the H-2B worker visa program, which supports seasonal businesses, was a key topic of discussion.

In 2023, the U.S. travel sector generated $119 billion from meetings and events-related travel, supporting 600,000 jobs and contributing to a total economic output of $2.8 trillion. The Power Hour emphasized the role of travel in strengthening businesses across the economy by connecting people, fostering business growth, and supporting communities nationwide.