The  U.S. Department of Transportation announced the members of the new National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure (NACTTI). The committee consists of 25 public and private sector stakeholders involved in the transportation, travel, and tourism industries from across the nation. The group will advise the Department of Transportation and the Secretary of Transportation on current and emerging priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs related to the use of the intermodal transportation network of the U.S. to facilitate travel and tourism. This is a wonderful opportunity for our industry to let elected leaders know what would make things easier and bring more business to the travel and tourism sector in Alaska.

The Chairman of this committee is Rossi Ralenkotter, President & CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Vice Chair is former U.S. Senator Mark Begich, President & CEO, Northern Compass Group of Anchorage, a Visit Anchorage member.

Last week, this national advisory group, the U.S. Travel Association and others were asked by the President Trump's transition team for a list of projects that can be viewed as priority infrastructure projects that directly affect travel and tourism in the U.S. and meet the following criteria:

What transportation priorities do we have for Alaska? Airports? Aviation safety? Alaska Railroad? Highway upgrades? Better port facilities? What areas need it most?

What kinds of things need improvement from the perspective of a tour operator in Alaska? What national policies would help things go more smoothly for you the business owner plus the visitor experience?

We would love to hear from you. Contact Schawna M. Thoma, Vice President at Northern Compass Group at schawnathoma@northerncompassgroup.com to share your thoughts and needs.