Commerce Department Appoints Norton Recommendation to U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board

WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama today announced that the Department of Commerce has appointed Destination DC President and CEO Elliott Ferguson, who Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) recommended, to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. This is the first time that Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the District of Columbia, will be represented on the board, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs impacting the $1.2 trillion U.S. travel and tourism industry, offers advice on current and emerging issues, and provides a forum to discuss solutions to industry issues.

"The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board would not be complete without a notable representative from the District of Columbia, one of the prime destinations in the world," Norton said. "In Elliott Ferguson, Commerce Secretary John Bryson has found a distinguished professional who brings the full package of qualities necessary to help our nation continue the vitality of our tourism and travel sector."

During his 10 years at Destination DC, Ferguson has boosted the travel and tourism sector in the District. In 2010 alone, 17.28 million visitors in the District generated $622.6 million in local revenue, 71,301 jobs and $2.8 billion in wages. Under Ferguson's leadership, Destination DC was a driving force in significantly improving Norton's annual "Ask Me About DC" fair in the Capitol for members of Congress, where representatives from 50 tourism- and entertainment-related businesses answer questions about tourist attractions, lodging, dining, culture, entertainment, sports activities, and transportation in the nation's capital.