Case Studies

Travel Business Roundtable (TBR)
“One Industry, One Voice”

1. SITUATION: About TBR

In the 1990s, the travel industry found itself a diverse, fragmented industry without a strong or focused voice on Capitol Hill.
Jonathan M. Tisch of Loews Hotels came to BKSH with an idea to form an organization to educate policymakers and elected officials about the important social and economic benefits of travel and tourism and to leverage the strength of the industry’s CEOs.
The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) was formed in 1995. Since then, BKSH & Associates, under Tisch’s leadership, has led the lobbying efforts of the collective industry.

2. CHALLENGE: Tourism in the U.S. After 9/11

Following the tragic events of 9/11, the industry fell to its knees.
International travel and tourism expenditures fell 19 percent and 340,000 American jobs were lost between 2000 and 2002.
For many, it was the first time they understood the diversity and economic reach of the industry.
Not only were planes not flying and hotels at low capacities, but Broadway theatres, restaurants and shopping malls were empty.

3. ACTION: Unifying the Travel Industry

Immediately following 9/11, TBR led a group of CEOs from leading travel and tourism companies to Capitol Hill, unifying the industry and its message.
Since then, TBR has emerged as the voice of the travel and tourism industry in Washington, achieving legislative and policy victories including the establishment of a Travel and Tourism Advisory Board through the U.S. Department of Commerce, the extension and successful implementation of the biometric passport deadline for Visa Waiver Program countries, and the announcement of the Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision for Secure Borders and Open Doors.
In 2005, TBR and the Travel Industry Association (TIA) became strategic partners, thereby uniting both travel and tourism umbrella organizations and initiating one advocacy effort – spearheaded by BKSH & Associates.

4. RESULTS: Strategic Partnerships, Attention from Lawmakers

In 2006, BKSH led efforts to form the Discover America Partnership, a coalition of travel and business leaders lobbying Congress to view international travelers as an opportunity to enhance our nation’s image and not a threat to our national security.
The interest by several Senators to introduce amendments to the 9/11 bill only five months after the Partnership’s inception shows progress towards improving visa policy and entry procedures that will enhance our nation’s economy, image and national security.
“One industry, one voice” has become the mantra of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and is built on the momentum established by TBR and the strategic vision driven by BKSH.