The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with two recommendations regarding the collection of data on travel and tourism.
The department awards funding through six grant programs that have specific travel and tourism related provisions, but does not have a strategic plan with clearly defined goals and strategies.
The GAO recommends the secretary of transportation direct the chief travel and tourism officer to develop and incorporate long- and short-term goals related to travel and tourism into the National Travel & Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan. The strategies and resources should align with the plan’s goals. The agency should consult with applicable congressional committees while developing the goals.
The GAO also recommends the secretary of transportation direct the chief travel and tourism officer to develop a plan that identifies and obtains additional data on travel and tourism to inform the revision and implementation of the National Travel & Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism in the United States generated $2 trillion and supported 9.9 million jobs. In addition, Congress has increased DOT’s responsibilities regarding travel and tourism.
The GAO’s report examines the extent DOT’s grant programs support travel and tourism, and the challenges DOT faces supporting travel and tourism.