Key Speaker

The Honorable Tim Kennedy

U.S. Representative (NY-26)

Discussion Summary

On February 21, 2025, U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy joined U.S. Travel, Visit Buffalo Niagara, Destination Niagara USA, and other regional industry leaders at the Buffalo History Museum for a Travel Works Power Hour. 

The group discussed how travel is an economic powerhouse for Western New York, as well as the vital role that the Buffalo-Niagara region plays in driving visitation from travelers worldwide. On a local level, the conversations ranged from border clearance issues at local ports to the need for direct international flights to Buffalo’s airport. The Power Hour also covered several key issues facing both the national and local travel sectors, including reducing wait times for first-time visitor visa applicants, currently averaging more than 230 days in key international markets; improving U.S. Customs processing times at major airports; investing in technology to enhance airport security screenings; and advancing travel mobility and infrastructure improvements. 

Attendees

  • Terry Alford, Executive Director, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor
  • Thomas Beauford, President and CEO, Buffalo Urban League
  • David Carroll, Regional Director of Sales, Merani Hotel Group
  • Jonathan Dandes, Corporate Vice President, Rich Products Corporation
  • Kimberlee Dunlop, COO, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino
  • Bob Emerson, Executive Director, Old Fort Niagara
  • Chad Fifer, President/CEO, Aquarium of Niagara
  • Don Foste, VP, Enterprise Sales and Lodging Revenue Management, Delaware North
  • Christine Goerss-Barton, Director of Museum Experiences, Buffalo AKG Art Museum
  • Patrick J. Kaler, President & CEO, Visit Buffalo Niagara
  • John Kinney, Owner, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
  • Cynthia Liu, CMO, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino
  • Mark Mistretta, Director, Niagara Region, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
  • Leah Mueller, Vice President of Sales & Services, Visit Buffalo Niagara
  • Shannon Patch, Vice President of Government Affairs, Delaware North
  • John Percy, President & CEO, Destination Niagara USA
  • Nicole Porter, Vice President of Political Affairs, U.S. Travel Association
  • Gary Siddal, President and CEO, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science
  • Renata Toney, Vice President of Destination Experience, Visit Buffalo Niagara

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