New Bill Proposed Promoting International Marketing Funds

September 20, 2004

New Bill Proposed Promoting International Marketing Funds
September 20, 2004 – According to TIA, Congress will consider new international marketing funds this fall. This measure would appropriate $20 million to help market the U.S. as an international travel destination. The bill would provide funding for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, among others.

Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska introduced the bill (S.2809), which states:

[S.2809 UNITED STATES TRAVEL AND TOURISM PROMOTION ADVISORY BOARD For necessary expenses of the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board, as authorized by section 210 of Public Law 108-7, for programs promoting travel to the United States including grants, contracts, cooperative agreements and related costs, $20,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2006: Provided, That the Secretary of Commerce shall apportion and obligate these funds to the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board by not later than December 31, 2004.]

According to the Commerce Department, this is the government’s first sponsored effort to promote inbound tourism, which will include $4 million advertising and public relations program, as well as a Web site. Private sector travel companies can invest $500 to $250,000 until Oct. 8 to become part of the campaign.

TIA is working closely with the Commerce Department on this effort. In 2000 TIA opened offices in London, Tokyo and Sao Paulo and launched the worldwide SeeAmerica campaign in anticipation of the government joining the industry in the establishment of a more substantial partnership. The U.S. is the only major industrial country where the government does not play a role in promoting inbound tourism.