TRAVEL MATTERS!
STATING THE CASE
REMOVING BARRIERS TO TRAVEL

CTTC is the only DMO that represents all segments of California’s travel and tourism industry, and each region of California. As such, CTTC strives to represent California’s interests in the sphere of public affairs, always promoting the message that travel matters.

With California’s role as the leading tourist destination in the United States comes an added responsibility—global leader. Visitors must enter the U.S. before they can come to California. Therefore, CTTC works hard to influence matters on the national level that affect the entire industry, such as global entry, immigration reform, Homeland Security issues and sustainability, as well as maintaining strong international government relations. CTTC also supports initiatives that make international travel easier, such as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 
Stating the Case

CTTC trumpeted the message that travel matters to state and local government officials at two exclusive California receptions. The Savor the Flavor of California event was held in Washington, D.C., in September. Held in conjunction with the Travel Leadership Summit, the event featured a packed house, with over 100 attendees including several members of the California Congressional Delegation. This meet-and-greet event let attendees celebrate the importance of California’s tourism industry to the state and nation, with a focus on wine and food.

In April, CTTC hosted a Partners in Hospitality and Tourism Reception in Sacramento. The clear view of the Capitol reflected the evening’s mission to the 100 guests—to communicate travel and tourism’s importance. Numerous legislative office representatives, including California Assembly Representatives, mingled with industry representatives sharing their message about California.

Sustainable California
CTTC created the California Sustainable Tourism Symposium (CSTS) for those dedicated to sustaining the environment, culture and heritage of their region while sustaining economic growth through tourism. CSTS’s main goal is to address the needs of tourism industry stakeholders. In 2008-2009, CTTC held two in-depth strategic planning roundtables for more than 100 participants, successfully launching CSTS to the industry.

U.S. Travel Association
In 2008–2009, President and CEO Caroline Beteta again served as National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association. As a spokesperson for the entire U.S. travel industry, Beteta responded to current events that affected travel, including the Meetings Mean Business campaign and influenza H1N1. Beteta also served a prominent role in launching DiscoverAmerica.com and working to pass the Travel Promotion Act, while positioning travel and tourism as an economic engine for local, state and national economies.

Riding Cool at Amgen
The annual Amgen Tour of California draws the best cyclists from the world over to experience gorgeous California scenery. The 2009 race attracted more than 2 million spectators. This year, as part of a rural co-op program, CTTC debuted a branded Airstream trailer to use in place of a booth at the Lifestyle Festivals, promoting California’s variety of tourism destinations and opportunities. CTTC and rural partners distributed over 5,000 California Visitor’s Guides, generating excitement and brand awareness.
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