Key Speaker

The Honorable Brian Higgins

U.S. Representative (NY-26)

Key Topics

  • Workforce shortage
  • Restoring visitor visa processing
  • Reigniting in-person business meetings and events

Discussion Summary

For our first Power Hour in August 2022, Visit Buffalo Niagara and Niagara Falls USA met with Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) at the Aquarium of Niagara to highlight travel’s significant impact in Western New York. Last year, visitors spent $2.8 billion in Greater Niagara which directly supported nearly 10,000 jobs in the region. Rep. Higgins and the group discussed the contributions that travel makes to the Western New York economy. He specifically mentioned that the ongoing border restrictions have brought forth unique challenges and we must work together to rebuild our tourism economy.

Attendees

  • Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo Niagara
  • Andrew Newhart, U.S. Travel Association
  • John Percy, Visit Niagara USA
  • and other distinguished leaders and members of western New York’s travel and tourism community.

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