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Tourism News New Study Details Impact of Meetings on U.S. Economy -- The Convention Industry Council released a new study, "The Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy," revealing that the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs, contributes $106 billion to GDP, $263 million in spending, $60 billion in labor revenue, $14.3 billion in federal tax revenue and $11.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The study, conducted by PwC US, assisted by a team of industry researchers, spanned more than a year in research and analysis and is the first -ever study of the size and scope of its kind. The research quantifies the economic contributions made by the 1.8 million meetings, trade shows, conventions, congresses, incentive events and other meetings that take place across the country. Details on the study and the 14 leading membership organizations which formed the research alliance can be found www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com / Americans Planning More Vacations, Spending — Despite high unemployment and a slow economic recovery, more people are planning to travel this year and they expect to spend more money than they did in 2010, according to a new report. Thirty -five percent of 1,403 consumers surveyed by travel website travelocity.com said they will increase their travel in 2011, and only one percent said they do not plan to go anywhere, compared to four percent last year. More than a quarter of people said they would spend $2,000 or more on their holidays this year, up from 20 percent in 2010. While roughly half expect to keep their travel budget largely unchanged from last year, 37 percent said they will dig deeper into their pockets in 2011. To find out more, visit www.msnbc.msn.com /id /41459140 /ns /travel - seasonal travel Business Bounces Back as Economy Improves -- Business travel is bouncing back. U.S. companies are forecast to spend 5 percent more on travel in 2011 than they did last year — a sign of confidence in the economy that is giving a boost to airlines, hotels and rental -car companies. That's double the growth rate from 2010, which followed two years of decline. Last year's bump in business travel — companies spent an estimated $228 billion — helped U.S. airlines post their first collective profit in three years. And profits are rising at hotel chains like Marriott and Hyatt and rental -car companies like Avis and Hertz. Perhaps the most telling sign of a rebound, industry officials say, is the return of corporate retreats. They had all but vanished during the recession, part of an effort by businesses to avoid the appearance of extravagance at a time of government bailouts and rising unemployment. To find out more, visit www.aoc.com /travel/ business - travel- bounces - back- 831557.htmi Attachment number 1 1 -2 Page 366