US president Barack Obama has signed an Executive Order and announced a range of new initiatives that are designed to "significantly increase" inbound tourism and travel.

Obama is seeking to grow the US' share of international tourism over the next decade in order to create more than 1 million additional jobs for Americans, while also boosting the economy.

The Executive Order will see the secretaries of commerce and the interior co-lead a new task force to come up with recommendations for a National Travel and Tourism strategy.

A main area of focus of the task force will be to promote trips to "national treasures" in the US, including national parks; wildlife refuges; cultural and historic sites; and monuments.

The Departments of State and Homeland Security will boost non-immigrant visa processing capacity in China and Brazil by 40 per cent and look to expand the Visa Waiver Program.

Elsewhere, the Department of Commerce has been asked to produce a new website offering information and statistics from across government to assist the travel industry and visitors.

Obama said: "Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work.

"We need to help businesses all across the country grow and create jobs; compete and win. That's how we're going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try."

The president's announcement has been welcomed by the US Travel Association president and chief executive officer Roger Dow.

"The president has put forward his vision and the travel industry is ready to heed the call. US Travel looks forward to working with the administration to improve America's economy and create more American jobs," he said.

Details: www.whitehouse.gov

Image: Mike Tigas

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