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President Barack Obama received a lot of criticism from the meetings and events industry when he made the remark, "You can’t get corporate jets. You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime," referring to events held by corporations receiving bailout funds. Now, however, industry professionals are happy to know they have the President's support.

After his meeting with 13 travel industry executives this week, Obama expressed his support for travel to and within the United States, according to the U.S. Travel Association. In the meeting, leaders focused on two key topics: the need to welcome more international visitors and the business community's concerns about the dramatic nationwide downturn in meetings and events.

"We are pleased that President Obama recognizes the power of travel to strengthen America's economy," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, in a statement. "The travel community has an ally in President Obama and we appreciate the leadership he intends to bring to increasing travel to, and within, the United States."

Participants at the meeting in Washington, DC also discussed the need to pass the Travel Promotion Act. This legislation would establish the first-ever U.S. promotion and communications campaign to attract millions of international visitors to the United States, also creating thousands of jobs.

Jonathon Tisch, chairman of Loews Hotels and chairman emeritus of USTA, said of the meeting, "We are pleased to have the support of President Obama and his team, and look forward to working with them in the days ahead."