Begich Supports Passage Of Travel Promotion Act
Press Release
With the goal of making the United States more competitive and attractive to overseas visitors, U.S. Senator Mark Begich today voted in favor of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. Sen. Begich is one of the original co-sponsors of the bill which creates a public-private partnership to clearly communicate U.S. travel policies and promote travel to all destinations in the U.S. The bill passed by a vote of 79 to 19 with 53 co-sponsors.
"With an economic impact of about $1.6 billion a year, tourism is one of the leading industries in Alaska and plays a key role in our economy," Sen. Begich said. "This bill will go a long way in bolstering that industry and restoring the United States as the premier travel destination for international tourists."
The Travel Promotion Act sets up a "Corporation for Travel Promotion" which would have 11 board members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to represent all aspects of the travel and tourism industry to clear up misperceptions and negative impressions about travel to America.
The Corporation's task would include:
Better communicating U.S. entry policies;
Promoting travel to America;
Ensuring promotional efforts benefit all 50 states and the District of Columbia;
Focusing efforts towards countries and travelers who are most likely to travel to America.
According to travel reports, since the attacks on September 11, 2001, overseas travel to the United States has decreased dramatically. The U.S. Travel Association says worldwide travel has increased, but the U.S. share of international tourism has declined 17 percent, costing more than 200,000 jobs. The Department of Commerce estimates that since 9/11, the nation has lost $182 billion in visitor spending and $27 billion in lost tax receipts.
"Destination USA has been undersold for years," said Deb Hickok, President and CEO, Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The Travel Promotion Act will benefit communities like Fairbanks by generating a strong national message of welcome as well as much needed information to travelers globally."
"A U.S. tourism marketing program is long overdue and it will provide economic impact to Alaska," said Julie Saupe, President & CEO, Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Not only do overseas visitors spend more time in Alaska, they also participate in activities at a higher rate and spend more money on average than our domestic visitors. We appreciate Senator Begich's backing of this important legislation."
Federal funding for the Corporation will come from a $10 fee paid by foreign travelers from Visa Waiver countries in addition to contributions from the travel and tourism industry.
According to a 2007 study by Oxford Economics, a modest travel promotion program in the U.S. could drive $8 billion in new spending and nearly $1 billion in tax revenues annually.
"Tourists are a low-impact, renewable resource, and investing time and resources into the industry benefits every state in the union," Begich added. "I appreciate the work of Senator Dorgan who has made this issue a priority for years."
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