Travel organizations and businesses nationwide, including the Rhode Island Travel Industry, are staging events with Members of Congress to help make the case that travel is an economic engine in every community.

The Rhode Island travel industry was named MVP of the U.S. Travel Association’s Travel Blitz campaign second quarter in recognition of a travel business tour and roundtable with Rep. David Ciciline (D-RI-01). Organized by leaders of the Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Discover Newport and the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association, their collective efforts resulted in an op-ed authored by Rep. Cicilline and the creation of a travel and tourism working group. Click here to watch a video wrap-up of the day’s events.

“Those of us closest to our industry know the critical role travel plays in our nation’s economic health,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Travel Blitz provides our members with an opportunity to engage policymakers on a personal level and drives home the message that travel supports local communities.”

Nearly a dozen grassroots policymaker events, including roundtable discussions and back-of-house tours, have taken place since the launch of Travel Blitz in February. Many more events are being planned to take advantage of several upcoming congressional recess periods.

The U.S. Travel Association, www.ustravel.org