WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday to establish a new organization to promote international tourism in the United States.  U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) voted in favor of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009.

“Maintaining and growing our tourism industry is critical to strengthening our economy in Northern Michigan and across the nation,” Stupak said.  “Northern Michigan is a first-class destination for visitors traveling from domestic locations or abroad.  This bill will help introduce all the tourism opportunities we have to offer – from our beautiful shorelines and scenic views to our unique history and inviting towns – to potential visitors from across the globe.” 

The Travel Promotion Act establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion to encourage travel in the United States by creating a nationally coordinated travel campaign.  The non-profit corporation will be governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and comprised of individuals representing state and local interests, the federal government, the small business community, hotels, restaurants and retail businesses, air transportation, attraction businesses, the intercity railroad business, and travel distribution services.

The corporation is tasked with promoting the United States as a tourist destination and spreading information in foreign countries about U.S. entry requirements.  It will be funded by the newly established Travel Promotion Fund within the U.S. Department of Treasury and matching contributions from private industry.  Revenue is generated for the Travel Promotion Fund from a $10 fee on foreign travelers not already paying a visa fee to enter the country.  The bill also makes clear the corporation’s promotional efforts must benefit all 50 states and prioritizes the use of corporation resources toward countries and potential travelers that are most likely to travel to the United States.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which supports the bill, estimates international travelers to the United States spend an average of $4,500 per person while in the country.  However, since 2000 the number of international travelers visiting the United States has been decreasing, resulting in $137 billion in lost tourism spending and $22 billion in lost tax revenue for federal, state and local governments.  Oxford Economics estimates the Travel Promotion Act would attract 1.6 million new visitors to the United States each year, leading to more than $7 billion in new visitor spending.

“This bill is good news for businesses in the tourism industry, and the workers they employ,” Stupak said.  “I am proud to vote for this bill and will continue to work to promote Northern Michigan as a top tourist destination.”

The House passed similar legislation in September of 2008, but the bill was not voted on by the U.S. Senate before the session of Congress expired.  The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 was passed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 79 to 19 on September 9 and will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.

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