NRF supports bill to encourage foreign travel

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in support of the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act:

“With the average international tourist spending well over $4,000 shopping in our stores, staying at our hotels, and eating at our restaurants, efforts aimed at encouraging more foreign travel is a simple way to spur economic growth and job creation. This is especially true in the retail industry.

“By expanding the Visa Waiver Program to cover more citizens from emerging economies and markets like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Israel, and Poland, and reforming our antiquated visa review and approval processes, the JOLT Act will work to entice more foreign travelers and shoppers to our shores.

“The Obama Administration has made great strides in reducing visa wait times over the past year but more can be done to tap into the hundred billion dollar international tourism and travel market."