House Votes to Boost Tourism to the US

Press Release

he House of Representatives voted today to pass H.R. 4450, the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act. The legislation authored by Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus co-chair Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., and co-sponsored by co-chair Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., and caucus member Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., reauthorizes Brand USA -- a public-private partnership designed to encourage tourism to the United States. Travel and tourism is the United State's top export industry and Brand USA's efforts have already brought an additional 1.1 million visitors to the United States. The bipartisan legislation passed 347-57.

"Tourism is an integral part of our economy -- especially in Florida. Increased tourism means more American and Floridian jobs. My legislation means job growth without utilizing a dime of taxpayer dollars. Millions of Americans across the country are still struggling, and H.R. 4450 will help them get back to work. Brand USA reauthorization is a jobs bill," Bilirakis declared.

"I am proud that my colleagues have joined me in a bipartisan effort to pass H.R. 4450 in the House of Representatives. The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act will increase Brand USA's efficiency, effectiveness, transparency -- it is a huge step forward for the accountability of the program," Bilirakis continued. "It is my hope the Senate will pass the companion bill, S. 2250."

"We have to compete globally if we want to create jobs locally," said Farr. "That starts with marketing America to the world as a premier travel destination. Brand USA brings in more global visitors to spend money at local shops, hotels and restaurants in communities throughout the United States. This legislation builds upon our success in the international travel and tourism market which strengthens our economy here at home."

Brand USA, which is completely funded by international visitors and private industry contributions, is the country's first national Destination Marketing Organization and markets the United States as a premier travel destination to world. The program's efforts bring substantial benefits to our economy with a return on investment of more than 30 to 1. Brand USA's activities brought in an additional 1.1 million visitors to the United States, resulting in a $7.4 billion impact on the economy and supported the creation of over 50,000 new jobs in fiscal year 2013.

H.R. 4450 also enhances Brand USA by adding a number of accountability and transparency requirements. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, and Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

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