<home> -- <press releases> -- <May 7, 2003>

Congresswoman Bordallo Joins Colleagues in
Supporting the 20th Annual National Tourism Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday, May 7, 2003 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Bordallo today issued a statement on the House Floor in support of H. Con. Res. 172, a bill expressing Congress’s support of the 20th Annual National Tourism Week. The bill recognizes that the tourism industry is either directly or indirectly responsible for one out of every seven jobs in the civilian labor force in the United States, and calls on the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to observe National Tourism Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

“The tourism industry is vital to the economy of the United States. It is the bedrock of the economy of Guam, my district, and instrumental to the continued economic growth of our island.” stated Congresswoman Bordallo on the House Floor. She added later noted that, “Guam is four flying hours away from major markets in Asia such as Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila.”

While the Congresswoman did detail some of the difficulties encountered by the tourism industry on Guam in the aftermath of September, 11 2001, Supertyphoon Pongsona and the recent outbreak of SARS, the Congresswoman expressed optimism that Congress is reacting in a measurable manner to help rectify the situation.

“In February, the Omnibus Appropriations bill, Congress included $50 million for a promotional campaign to encourage travel to the United States, including the territories," said the Congresswoman. "We need to continue our efforts here in Congress to promote tourism. Let’s support the visitor industry. Support the American economy, support National Tourism Week.”

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.