For possibly the first time ever, certainly for the first time in recent years, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) had a representative with the PA delegation at U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill, March 19-20, 2024. APT President Marianne Ruane joined a team that included Visit Philadelphia, Visit PA, CNTV, and the Green Book Experience. The event included participants from all 50 states at 311 meetings with Congressional representatives. The PA delegation met with staff from the offices of Senators Casey and Fetterman as well as House Representatives Boyle, Fitzpatrick, and Evans.
U.S. Travel provided talking points around their five main asks:
- lower visa wait times
- lower customs wait times
- fully fund the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism
- advance FAA reauthorization
- join the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucuses
And there was opportunity to add in individual requests – like more funding for INHP! It was a really worthwhile event and great chance be a part of American democracy in action. We hope more APT members will participate next year! Marianne will give a brief presentation on her experience at the monthly meeting on May 8.
The PA delegation meets Senator John Fetterman during 2024 Destination Capitol Hill.
