News for the Hospitality Executive |
Washington, DC - The U.S. Travel Association today praised Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and John Ensign (R-NV) for introducing the "Travel Promotion Act of 2009" - landmark legislation to stimulate U.S. economic growth, create thousands of new American jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for communities across the country. The legislation is considered especially necessary given that the U.S. dollar is strengthening, the global economy is slowing and America continues to welcome fewer overseas visitors than prior to September 11, 2001. "This is the jobs and growth package America needs," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Travel promotion is common-sense legislation that places America on par with its competitors around the world without taking a dollar from U.S. taxpayers." The "Travel Promotion Act" establishes a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination and communicate U.S. security and entry policies. The legislation specifies that travel promotion would be paid for by private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers from countries that do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. Similar legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, but did not receive a vote before the Senate adjourned. Overseas visitors spend an average of $4,500 per person, per trip in the United States. Oxford Economics estimates that a well executed promotion program, as outlined in the Travel Promotion Act, would attract 1.6 million new international visitors annually, create $4 billion in new spending and drive $321 million in new federal tax revenue. An analysis by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that this program would create nearly 40,000 new American jobs. Nearly every developed nation in the world spends millions of dollars to attract visitors and strengthen their economy. Facts on declining overseas travel to the United States:
About U.S. Travel Association The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. |
Contact:
Kristy Chandler 202.408.2183 [email protected] |