CEIR releases study quantifying the impact of U.S. Visa issues on the U.S. economy
Wednesday 8, December 2010
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released a major study, The Economic Impact of International Non-Participation in the Exhibition Industry Due to US Visa Issues. CEIR commissioned Oxford Economics to conduct the assessment during the summer of 2010 based on a nationwide survey and the CEIR Exhibition Industry Census.
Visitor visa issues impede participation in trade shows, acting as a barrier to foreign trade as US companies fail to meet with current or potential prospects. Additional export losses are experienced in the form of lost international visitor spending in the hospitality and meetings industries.
Key findings of the research include:
Visa issues precluded 116,000 international participants from attending US exhibitions. This includes 78,400 international attendees and 37,900 international exhibitors who were hindered from participating.
With no visa barriers in place, the US economy would realize increases in business sales tallying $2.4 billion ($2.6 billion including sales to foreign exhibitors). These gains include $1.5 billion in business-to-business trade, $540 million in registration fees and exhibition space spending, and a $295 million boost to visitor spending.
The new $2.4 billion in sales would be able to sustain over 17,500 jobs directly, 43,000 jobs overall, and generate three-quarters of a billion dollars in state and federal taxes.
Increasing international attendance at US exhibitions is a significant challenge for US exhibition organizers. Current US visa policy discourages and/or makes it impossible for many foreign nationals to obtain a visa to enter the country to conduct business at exhibitions. In many instances, the face-to-face interview currently required at consulate offices may last just two minutes, with no questions asked or paperwork reviewed that would validate the need for a visa.
"This study quantifies the importance of US exhibitions in generating export trade and stimulating job growth," said Steven Hacker, CAE, president of the International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE). "While we are mindful of the need for careful screening of international visitors entering the US, keeping our borders secure should not be at the expense of keeping our economy open for business. The US will lose sales to other countries if we continue on this path. We intend to present these findings to several key federal agencies including the State, Homeland Security and Commerce departments and to work with officials to find an optimal solution."
Sales would increase the most in the manufacturing and business services industries, with both sectors benefiting from the direct increase in sales from international attendees and from being part of the supply chain to other industries that directly gain sales.
"The current US visa policy has become the number ONE obstacle for US machine tool companies doing business in China," said Peter Eelman, vice president - Exhibitions & Communications, AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology.
Hotels would experience additional business of nearly half of the $295 million increase in visitor spending. Spending at restaurants from the additional 116,000 attendees would increase $60 million with retail purchases and ground transportation spending of $60 million.
(Source: TravelDailyNews.com)
Latest news
Tourism
Business travelers want latest technology and best gadgets
Auckland Zoo named one of NZ elite tourist attractions
Caribbean and Mediterranean losing beach tourism market to Southeast Asia
Aviation
Boeing: China will lead the Asia Pacific region in new airplane deliveries
British Airways begins installing new seats in Euro Traveller cabin
American Airlines drops free meals on short haul flights
Hospitality
First capsule hostel to open in Antwerp, Belgium
Marriott named to World's Most Innovative Companies List
Marriott Hotels debuts - healthy vending machine
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offerâ€Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
TransfersLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
