The U.S. Department of Commerce recently released a report that showed international visitation and international visitor spending was down significantly in August 2009 compared with the same period a year ago. According to the DOC, 5.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States in August 2009, a decrease of four percent compared to August 2008. International visitors spent $10 billion in August 2009, nearly 21 percent less than visitors spent one year ago.
With this news in mind, airport and airline management, government officials and consultants will meet at the 2009 ACI-NA International Aviation Issues Seminar this Thursday, Dec. 3 in Washington, D.C., to discuss current challenges facing international air travel and trade.
Among the issues to be discussed will be the state of international airlines alliances, government air transport policies and negotiations, and facilitation policies and procedures impacting airports’ ability to retain and secure new international air service.
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
- Keynote: Christa Fornarotto, deputy assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs, Department of Transportation
- Roundtable Discussion on Alliances
- Incentives: What’s Legal; What Works?
Click here to view a list of sessions and speakers. Hope to see you there!