The American Hotel & Lodging Association calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act (H.R. 3340), co-sponsored by Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). The legislation, which currently has 100 bipartisan cosponsors, would extend The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 until FY 2020 and reauthorize Brand USA.
“Congressmen Bilirakis and Welch have introduced an important bill that allows this country to build on Brand USA’s momentum and protect the travel and tourism industry’s role as an economic driver and job creator,” said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. “Most other countries have an official promotional program to attract and welcome international tourists, so America would be at a competitive disadvantage if we fail to continue the great work of Brand USA. This bill is a win-win for everyone and we urge Congress to act swiftly to help us maintain our competitive edge and allow millions of others to experience the best that the U.S. has to offer.”
Last year alone, Brand USA generated 1.1 million incremental international visitors, $3.4 billion in direct spending, and $1 billion in total sales tax revenue, and created or supported 53,000 jobs. The program operates without the investment of a single dollar in taxpayer funds.
Read the full release over at AH&LA.
