Examining Travel and Tourism, as well as Daylight Saving Time
(CHARLESTON, S.C.) – National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) CEO Jay Karen is set to represent the golf industry once again at a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. EST.
The purpose of the Subcommittee hearing is to examine two topics that have a substantial impact on the U.S. economy. The first will focus on travel and tourism, exploring how the U.S. can maintain a robust and economically successful industry. Additionally, the discussion will address how to best prepare for major international sporting events scheduled to take place in the country over the next few years including the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
Secondly, the hearing will cover perspectives on Daylight Saving Time (DST), with discussion focused on whether Congress should adopt permanent Standard Time, permanent DST, or continue with the current time observance system. Karen will present insights on how the biannual time change affects the golf and recreation industries, weighing the pros and cons of modifying the current system versus keeping it as is.
“The golf industry is fundamentally intertwined with these topics, as it is a key economic asset and tremendous driver of both domestic and international travel, and stands to be impacted by any changes Congress is considering around DST,” says Karen, who previously testified at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing regarding potential clock changes in April. “My testimony will highlight how policies concerning time directly impact the hours available for leisure activities and, consequently, the economic vitality of our tourism sectors.”
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY–02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL–12), Chairman of the CMT Subcommittee, announced the hearing.
“Travel and tourism are key drivers of both our local and national economies, and it’s essential that Congress explore the best ways to strengthen and capitalize on these opportunities for our country,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis in a release by the Subcommittee.. “We also will examine the various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time, a practice that touches nearly every American and warrants careful consideration by Congress. This hearing will provide an important opportunity to assess its real-world impacts and determine the best path forward.”
Karen will be joined by experts from other industries who will also provide testimony, including:
- Ms. Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association
- Dr. Tyler J. Kleppe, Ph.D., CPA, EY Associate Professor of Accounting at the Von Allmen School of Accountancy, Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky
- Ms. Lisa Simon, CEO and Executive Director of the International Inbound Travel Association
The Subcommittee hearing will take place at 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. It will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION
The NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The association represents and promotes the interests of golf courses at the principal businesses and economic assets of the game of golf. The not-for-profit organization is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to golf course owners and operators. Through advocacy, education and information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information or to join, visit ngcoa.org or call 800.933.4262.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Zach Sepanik
616.307.8067
Manager, Buffalo Groupe
zsepanik@buffalogroupe.com
Renée Flowers
240.353.5800
Sr. Director Marketing and Communications, NGCOA
rflowers@ngcoa.org