The document discusses the travel industry's economic impact and perceptions of it in Washington. It provides data showing travel generates over $900 billion annually and supports millions of jobs and billions in tax revenue. However, some Washington opinion leaders see the industry as supporting low-paying jobs and claim travel is frivolous and non-essential. The travel industry is fighting back by advocating for its economic importance and working to change perceptions, such as by lobbying for the recent creation of a U.S. Tourism Board.