Welcome to this month’s travel column, where I would like to opine on the state of affairs within the global travel industry now.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, “The Travel community in the U.S. is under siege.” Based on the ‘revelations’ over the past several months by the media and politicians, incentive and meeting travel is now one of society’s greatest ills. A symbol of excess. In some cases they are probably correct, but in the vast majority, they are very wrong. Companies and organizations must get together, face to face, communicate, plan, understand and even provide a bit of well earned relaxation and fun for those deserving because of their achievement. Right now, thousands of meetings have been canceled or postponed affecting the incomes of all associated in this vital segment of our economy. Airlines, hotels, resorts, taxi and motor coach drivers, restaurant staff, cruise lines, tour guides, travel agents and many more ancillary workers are made idle by the curtailment of travel based on fear of media attack and political ‘blowback’ in the face of misuse by a few corporate usurpers, who have endangered an industry because of their greed and poor judgment.

Even individuals who ordinarily travel frequently have been negatively influenced, not just by the economy, but the perceived political incorrectness of taking a fine trip in the face of recession and media influence.

The Travel & Tourism impact on the U.S. economy accounts for some 9.5% of total U.S. GNP generating almost 14 million jobs around the country. It is one of the US’s largest job producers, and it’s absolutely critical to smaller, developing countries, where tourism jobs support a very needy populace.

Our industry does not seek ‘bailout’ funds from government; in fact, it can and will be a great catalyst for getting our economy going once again. In the administration’s headlong rush to provide stimulus money to banks, manufacturers, insurance companies and Lord knows who else, let it not forget the transforming power of Travel and Tourism in our country and around the world. It’s real and very important.

For those companies and individuals who understand the vital and critical nature of our industry, let them be not deterred in proceeding with their meetings, conventions, reward trips and personal explorations of our planet. Not only will barriers between people be broken down, the exchange of dollars for goods and services will add greatly to our recovery and that of the world. Travel is not just our right, it’s a gateway to help others as we enrich ourselves, families, and colleagues with wonderful life experiences.

The Travel and Tourism industry is certainly doing its part to help. For those intrepid planners and travelers there have never been such value filled opportunities to destinations worldwide. Not only is a good trip a life altering experience for the traveler, it is good for business and great for the economy. So get to planning a trip, now and please call us for personal service!

(Since 1977, West Oehmig has guided the Tennessee Valley Travel Agency. He is a graduate of Baylor School and the University of Virginia. He has served as chairman of the Advisory Board of Virtuoso and is involved in many aspects of our community and the worldwide travel industry. He advises clients with interests in four and five star cruising, deluxe touring, extraordinary family travel experiences, fine golf, shooting and fishing experiences. www.tntravel.com Contact West Oehmig at (423) 308-2906.)