Northern Virginia Travel Researcher Named to Prominent Tourism Board

Orlando, FL, January 25, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Laura Mandala, managing director of Mandala Research in Alexandria, Va., was appointed Thursday to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. The TTAB consists of travel industry leaders from across the country and advises U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson on travel and tourism matters, including government policies and programs that affect travel to the U.S.

“It is an unbelievable honor to be appointed to such an influential board,” said Mandala, who has developed a number of travel research studies.

In 2011, Mandala released a report on international emerging markets (Brazil, China, Australia, Korea, and India), a comprehensive and segmented study of African American Travelers and a study on the U.S. Hispanic Travel Market, among others. “We are delighted that our work is having a positive impact on policy,” Mandala said in relation to her work on the Brazilian and Chinese markets.

“There’s incredible momentum in this industry right now and I’m inspired by the opportunity to play a role in helping build our economy by helping America reclaim its position as the most desired destination in the world.”

Mandala was among 32 leaders sworn in to two-year terms today by President Obama during his visit to Orlando to unveil a new strategy to boost tourism to the U.S. by improving visa processing in China and Brazil and taking additional steps to promote national parks.

“This Board represents the eyes and ears of our nation’s travel and tourism industry and I am committed to working with each of the esteemed members to bring more visitors to the United States,” Sec. Bryson said. “I appreciate the Board members’ dedication to our economic recovery and look forward to working with Laura to put ideas into action to bolster job creation in this critical economic sector.”

The TTAB advises the Secretary on government policies and programs that affect the U.S. travel and tourism industry, offers counsel on current and emerging issues, and provides a forum for discussing and proposing solutions to industry-related problems.

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