David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today's Labor Department report on January 2013 employment numbers:
"The travel industry continues to drive our nation's economic recovery, adding 2,300 jobs last month, driven primarily by increases in the amusements, gambling and recreation sectors. After declining slightly in December, the first month of 2013 is off to an optimistic start, increasing one percent from the same month last year to a total of 7.6 million jobs.
"Revisions to historical 2012 data were positive for both the economy and the travel sector. With the revised 2012 data, the travel sector added a total of 54,300 jobs in 2012.
"Even with the unemployment rate stuck at nearly eight percent since September 2012, the travel sector remains a strong economic generator, adding jobs 31 of the last 37 months.
"Proving yet again that travel creates a positive effect in people's lives, the travel sector continues to have a strong economic impact, ranking among the top 10 private employers and supporting six percent of total non-farm employment. As shown in our latest report – Fast Forward – the travel industry provides Americans with high-quality jobs that lead to rewarding careers."
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
Visit www.ustravel.org.
