Roadshow
08/27/2019
St. Louis, MO
U.S. Travel kicked off its Travel Works Roadshow in St. Louis in 2019 with a daylong series of events spotlighting travel’s impact on a local, regional and national level.
Key Speakers
The Honorable Roy Blunt
Former U.S. Senator (R-MO)
The Honorable Troy Balderson
U.S. Representative (OH-12)
Kitty Ratcliffe
Explore St. Louis
Ward Franz
Missouri Division of Tourism
The Honorable Lydia Krewson
Mayor, City of St. Louis
Chrissy Taylor
Enterprise
Roger Dow
Former President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association
Tori Barnes
EVP, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association
Key Topics
- Jobs
- Trade/Commerce
- Security
- International travel
- Economic growth
Discussion Summary
A kickoff event at the St. Louis Cardinals’ Ballpark Village—selected to highlight the fundamental intersection between travel and big-league sports—featured a keynote address from U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). Following that were panel discussions featuring a breadth of leaders across the public and private sectors.
Other events included a tour at the new, under-construction Live! By Loews – St. Louis, MO hotel complex demonstrating the development of multi-use districts and the role of tourism in spurring that investment and growth, a “fireside chat” at Enterprise Holdings headquarters with employees, speaking to the benefits of travel jobs – in career development and upward mobility – a focus of Enterprise’s employment strategy and hallmark of their workforce.
A back-of-house tour of America’s Center Convention Complex spotlighted the center’s ability to host large conventions and meetings, driving economic activity to the venue, but importantly the surrounding businesses and community as well. The day ended with a “Toast to Tourism” reception for industry workers and guests atop the Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch – overlooking St. Louis’ most recognizable landmark.
Attendees
- U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12)
- Former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
- Tori Barnes, U.S. Travel Association
- Ward Franz, Missouri Division of Tourism
- Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association
- Mayor Lydia Krewson, City of St. Louis
- Kitty Ratcliffe, Explore St. Louis
- Christine Taylor, Enterprise
- and other distinguished guests from St. Louis and Missouri’s travel industry
Policymaker Testimonial
“There couldn’t be a better place to launch the Travel Works Roadshow than right here in Missouri. From the top entertainment and recreation destinations in Branson, to the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, to the Ste. Genevieve National Park, to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and so many points in between, we’re proud of all that Missouri has to offer. As a co-chair of the Senate’s Travel and Tourism caucus, I’m proud to support U.S. Travel and appreciate the important work they do to help attract more international visitors to communities in our state and across the nation.”
– Former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Join the Effort
Help our Travel Action Network spread the word and educate leaders about critical travel industry priorities.