• 68.3 million lost visitors, each of whom on average spend well over $4,000 dollars.
• $509 billion in lost spending, including $214 billion in direct spending and $295 billion in downstream spending at restaurants, retailers and scores of other small businesses.
• 441,000 lost jobs, direct and indirect, in all regions of the country.
• $32 billion in lost tax revenue at the federal, state and local levels.
• $270 billion in lost trade surplus, as international travel to the U.S. is our largest service export.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced that January 2010 demand for international scheduled air traffic showed continuing improvement. But the world airlines association projects continued losses for the industry in 2010

Compared to the previous year, January passenger demand was up 6.4%. Against this improving demand, a 1.2% increase in passenger capacity in January pushed load factors to 75.9% (up from the 72.2% recorded for January 2009).

"Airlines have lost 2-3 years of growth. Demand is moving in the right direction. The 3.0% increase in freight volumes from December to January is particularly encouraging. We can start to see the future with some cautious optimism, but better volumes do not necessarily mean better profits. Passenger yields are still 15% below peak. And we expect 2010 losses to be US$5.6 billion," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO.

International cargo demand showed a 28.3% improvement with only a 3.7% increase in capacity. This pushed the cargo load factor to 49.6% which is a significant change from the 40.1% recorded in January 2009.

The large increases in year-on-year comparisons reflect a steady improvement from the precipitous fall in demand that characterized the early part of 2009 rather than a dramatic improvement in January. Compared to December 2009, and adjusting for seasonal variations, passenger demand grew by 0.5% while air freight volumes increased by 3.0%.

There are large geographical differences in the improvements. The strongest upturns have been seen in markets where economic recovery from the recession has been strongest-Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Mr. Goldstein brings over 18 years of experience in the media industry, the last 12 years directly in senior advocacy roles. A veteran in government and regulatory affairs in Ottawa, David Goldstein has provided guidance and direction on the advocacy and public affairs functions of some Canada's most respected companies and organizations.

Prior to his arrival at TIAC, Mr. Goldstein served as the senior vice president, regulatory affairs, with CTVglobemedia Inc. In this capacity, he worked with the senior management team to establish the strategic direction of Canada's largest media company, and oversaw its regulatory and public policy files. He also served in a similar role as the vice president, government and regulatory affairs with CHUM Limited prior to its acquisition by CTVglobemedia.

Mr. Goldstein's experience in association management includes his tenure at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), where he attained the title of vice president, government affairs. He also subsequently served as vice chair of the CAB's board of directors, and has sat on the boards of several other organizations.