Gaming, tourism groups eager to work with Biden administration

Las Vegas is heavily reliant on all three industries, which have faced economic challenges in the wake of the pandemic. On Wednesday, heads of the U.S. Travel Association, American Gaming Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association and Nevada Resort Association said they hope to see recovery progress under the new administration.

“President Biden is acutely aware of the economic pain the pandemic has inflicted on our industry and its workforce,” USTA President and CEO Roger Dow said. “It is well within reach to return America to the record growth the travel industry experienced prior to the pandemic through national strategies that will revive the American economy.”

U.S. Travel Association, American Gaming Association
Before the pandemic, the travel industry supported one in every 10 jobs. Dow said USTA is ready to work with the new administration and Congress to rebuild the industry and bring back millions of workers.

“We are encouraged by the administration’s focus on providing additional, direct relief to businesses in the hardest-hit industries,” he said.

Dow believes President Joe Biden’s affinity for Amtrak — he earned the nickname “Amtrak Joe” after taking thousands of train rides between Delaware and Washington, D.C., as senator and vice president — illustrates his desire to connect U.S. cities and facilitate greater travel and tourism. He also pointed to Harris’ experience as a senator from California, where she represented one of the country’s largest state tourism economies.

“(Harris) has seen firsthand travel’s positive impact on local communities,” Dow said.

AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said he looks forward to working with the new administration and Congress to advance the $261 billion U.S. casino industry’s recovery.

“Gaming — an economic engine in communities across 44 states — has been decimated by COVID-19, but our industry has always strongly responded to adversity,” he said in a Wednesday statement. “Together, with our new leaders in Washington, we can get millions of American hospitality employees back to work, reinvigorate our industry, support our small businesses, and bring desperately-needed revenue to our communities.”