Welcome to Las Vegas, and thank you for visiting the United States.

I want to extend a warm welcome to the more than 5,500 delegates from 70 countries attending the 45th IPW.

We have an exciting few days ahead of us to conduct business and network with one another. We estimate that more than $3.5 billion in travel to the United States will be booked over the next three days. Almost as important are the relationships you will renew and develop while on the marketplace hall floor, at the lunches and at the evening events.

The travel community is committed to welcoming international visitors to the U.S., and IPW continues to be the leading forum for fostering business relation- ships and negotiations. Even as we enter our 45th year, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance the event. Some of this year's improvements include the IPW Online Marketplace that will be accessible year-round at ipw.com; a first-ever Taste of America networking luncheon, which will provide regional cuisines from throughout the U.S.; and full integration with premier partner, Brand USA, America's international travel promotion and tourism marketing organization.

The U.S. has made great strides to reduce barriers to travel, but additional opportunities are at hand, such as increasing enrollment in Global Entry and growing the Visa Waiver Program. Your interest fuels our continued effort to welcome more travelers to the U.S.

Again, welcome to Las Vegas. Welcome to the United States. We are glad you are here.

Best wishes for a successful IPW.

Sincerely,

Roger

Roger Dow
President and CEO U.S. Travel Association