Secretary of Commerce John Bryson joined delegates at the MAUIVA and Brand USA sponsored lunch on day one of Pow Wow where the inaugural Brand USA campaign was unveiled.

Secretary Bryson pledged congress’ support of Brand USA and the marketing campaigns ahead for the organisation, along with their support of USTA’s work at speeding up visa applications and their goal to make airports and travel hubs more welcoming and easier to navigate.

The travel and tourism industry is the third highest sector for income generation in the U.S. and generated USD$13.3 billion dollars in February 2012 alone, an increase of 14% on the same month last year.

A surplus of USD$43 billion was achieved by the travel and tourism industry in 2011 and Secretary Bryson took the opportunity at Pow Wow to thank industry professionals.

“How do we foster more of the person-to-person connections between us and the rest of the world? We can’t do it without your help,” Secretary Bryson said.

President Barack Obama was unable to attend Pow Wow this week but recorded a video message for the lunch further promoting Brand USA’s message.

“America is truly open for business and the world should know it,” President Obama said.

Click here to view complete photo gallery.

e-Travel Blackboard flights to Pow Wow proudly sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines

Click here to view footage of President Obama speaking at Pow Wow