The Corporation for Travel Promotion has elected Jim Evans as its first CEO, expecting him to lead their newest program encouraging international travel.

Revealing each overseas visitor spends an average of US$4000 per trip on accommodation, dining and activities, the Corporation has increased its effort to promote the United States to international travellers.

"Promoting tourism is an important part of the President's National Export Initiative and the overall U.S. economy, and we are fortunate to have Jim's leadership in growing this industry.  I look forward to working with him to bring more visitors to our country," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said.

Mr Evans, a longtime hospitality leader, will work with the Travel Promotion Act which created the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010 to help capture a greater share of the global market for travel to the U.S.