An end to Brand USA?

May 23, 2017

In a budget being delivered to Congress today, the Trump administration seeks to eliminate Brand USA, the destination marketing organization of the United States. Launched in 2011, Brand USA is funded by contributions from destinations and private-sectors organizations, and by fees collected from international visitors. Under the proposed budget, revenue from those fees would be shifted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

NTA President Pam Inman said Brand USA is critically important to the U.S. travel industry and to American workers. “The coordinated marketing effort by Brand USA has paid tremendous dividends,” Inman said. “The nation’s DMO has brought in millions of visitors, billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs to the U.S. that we wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Inman said that NTA will coordinate with its members and with industry partners to advocate for the preservation of Brand USA. “We’re working in concert with our advocacy team, and I am confident that NTA members will answer the call to support Brand USA,” she said. “Marketing the United States is a global effort, and it affects the livelihoods of Americans in every state.”

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