SENATE PASSES BILL TO IMPROVE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TO U.S.

Cochran Cosponsored Measure to Increase Mississippi’s Growing Tourism Sector

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today passed legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran that would revitalize federal efforts to attract more foreign tourists to the United States and counter the steep decline in international travel following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Tourism Promotion Act (S.1023) was passed 79-19.  It is a bipartisan measure establishing a nonprofit Corporation for Travel Promotion to implement a nationally-coordinated travel promotion program.  The mission to market the United States to international tourists is aimed at reversing the decline in foreign travel to the United States since 2001.

“I cosponsored this legislation because it offers the possibility of helping expand Mississippi’s growing tourism industry,” Cochran said.  “By broadening the nation’s appeal abroad, this measure will give Mississippi an opportunity to attract more foreign visitors.  Our rich culture, natural attractions and historic sites are a source of pride for our state and they should be shared with more people.”

The measure also establishes an Office of Travel Promotion within the Department of Commerce to coordinate with the federal departments of State and Homeland Security to improve the U.S. visa and entry process for foreign visitors, while maintaining border security.   The Congressional Budget Office has determined S.1023 will help reduce the federal deficit by almost $500 million over 10 years.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, the 17 percent decline in the United States’ international travel market share has resulted in the loss of 200,000 jobs and nearly $100 billion in visitor spending.  Tourism industry sources have also estimated that the current economic downturn could result in the loss of 250,000 travel-related jobs in 2009.

A February report issued by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Tourism Division determined there were 85,000 tourism-related jobs in Mississippi in 2008, with an annual payroll of $1.74 billion.

Last year, the MDA Tourism Division pushed marketing activities in 17 countries—primarily Europe, Australia, Japan and Mexico, and attracted more than 22,000 foreign visitors in 2008. Overall, an estimated 20.2 million visitors traveled to Mississippi in 2008, a 9.1 percent decrease from 2007.

The Travel Promotion Act will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Links:
Mississippi Development Authority
http://www.mississippi.org/
Mississippi Tourism
http://www.visitmississippi.org/