Obama's plan to boost tourism will help Flagler

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

With Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World in Orlando as a backdrop, President Barack Obama last month announced a national strategy on travel and tourism to boost travel in the United States.

What does this mean for Flagler County?

1) More visitors, who will bring their money into our community.

Travelers from countries such as China, Brazil and India are projected to grow by 135%, 274% and 50% respectively by 2016. One of the main initiatives of the president’s strategy includes a pilot program and rule change for visa processing in China and Brazil, which makes it much easier for travelers to enter the U.S. Currently, it can take up to a year to secure a visa.

In addition, the Obama administration aims to expand Global Entry, a program that allows expedited clearance at the airport for pre-screened international travelers. These are travelers with money to spend!

At first they may come to Orlando, the most popular destination in the country. But if they are like other Florida-bound travelers, they will also be looking for the beach — something we have in abundance and one thing Disney cannot create.

2) More jobs, which could reduce our 14% unemployment rate.

According to the White House, the announcement is part of a comprehensive effort to spur job creation.

“The more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work,” Obama said. “It’s that simple.”

According to LaborMarketInfo.com, approximately 2,500 people are employed in the leisure and hospitality industry in Flagler County, comprising 14% of the county’s employed. An additional 100 jobs were provided by the local industry in 2010.

In a slow economy, tourism is now being recognized as a contributor in economic development in our state, our county and our local communities. Kudos to Mr. Obama for being the first sitting president to recognize that increasing travel and tourism is so important.