Amtrak has helped produce an original music video it will feature aboard trains and in many of its First Class passenger lounges to celebrate and promote travel and tourism in the United States. The project was spearheaded by the Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) -- a coalition of travel and tourism-related company CEOs -- and will be shown in and by numerous travel and entertainment related companies during National Travel and Tourism Week from May 10 through 18. Amtrak will show the video through the end of the month.
Award-winning music group, Lonestar, lent their hit song, "What About Now," as the track for the musical montage that includes images of destinations and travel experiences from across the country. Also included in the montage are shots of Amtrak's Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) and Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) trains as they travel through some of America's most scenic vistas. Lonestar, which spends most of its time on the road, also taped a personal introduction to the video noting that "every trip you take contributes to the creation of jobs, the development of communities, and the growth of businesses."
"We are delighted to participate in the production and promotion of this important music video," said Barbara J. Richardson, Amtrak's vice president of marketing and sales. "Given the economy and recent events, it is critical that our industry pulls out all the stops to share the news with both American and international audiences that the U.S. is filled with much to be discovered, including a one-of-a-kind experience that only a train ride can deliver. This video does just that."
"This video's message comes at an important and challenging time for our country and for our industry," said Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of TBR and Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. "Through the images and the music of the video, we impress upon people here and around the world that traveling is an essential part of our lives and economies and that the United States is still 'open for business'. Amtrak was instrumental in helping make this video happen."
Lonestar jumped at the chance to lend their music and their time to this patriotic cause, hoping to inspire people to start traveling again. "We are so proud to be a part of this video and to be able to help our country get moving again," said Lonestar.
Travel and tourism directly and indirectly employs 18 million people, or one out of every seven people in the private sector workforce. It is responsible for more than half a trillion dollars in economic activity and nearly $99 billion in tax revenues. In 2001, the nation experienced a 12 percent decrease in international travel with a total of 44.9 million visitors. Currently, the U.S. ranks as the third most popular international travel destination behind France and Spain. To help regain international market share, Congress recently passed legislation providing $50 million to establish a destination marketing campaign for the United States.
In addition to Amtrak, other TBR member organizations provided footage and funding for the video. They include:
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American Express Travel Related Services
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American Hotel & Lodging Association
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American Resort Development Association
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Asian American Hotel Owners Association
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Best Western International
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Carey International
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Carlson Companies
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Cendant Corporation
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Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Diners Club
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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
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Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Hertz Corporation
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InterContinental Hotels
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International Council of Shopping Centers
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International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
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Jet Blue Airways
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Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Loews Hotels
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Manhattan East Suite Hotels
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NYC & Company
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Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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Universal Parks & Resorts
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Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation
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Waterford Group
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Wyndham International
The video was produced and directed by Nancy Mendelson of Production Resources Inc.
About Amtrak
Amtrak passengers enjoy rail service in more than 500 communities in 46 states across a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and reservations, visit Amtrak's Web site at http://www.amtrak.com./
About Lonestar
Reigning ACM Top Vocal Group Lonestar is currently touring and in the process of putting together a greatest hits album due in stores June 10 entitled: Greatest Hits - From There to Here, which will also include their #1 hit single "What About Now."
About Travel Business Roundtable
The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) is a CEO-based organization representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. In addition to the major airlines, car rental companies, travel management agencies, hotel chains, resorts and theme parks, TBR's membership roster also includes such entities as The Coca-Cola Company, USA Today, the National Football League, and the International Council of Shopping Centers, demonstrating the broad scope and diversity the industry represents. In 2002, travel and tourism was the nation's third largest retail industry generating $555 billion in travel expenditures and $98.8 billion in local, state and federal taxes.
