Senate Committee Passes Discover America Legislation

June 29, 2007

Senate Committee Passes Discover America Legislation
On June 27, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed S. 1661, the "Travel Promotion Act of 2007." The legislation, spearheaded by the Travel Industry Association and the Discover America coalition, would create the first significant pool of international marketing funds in more than a decade. An independent, nonprofit corporation called the Corporation for Travel Promotion would be created that would be governed by a board of directors selected by the Secretary of Commerce. "NTA commends TIA for this audacious bi-partisan legislative step in the right direction to enhance and expand international travel to the USA," said Jim Santini, NTA’s Legislative Counsel.

One other notable provision in the legislation would be the creation of an Undersecretary of Travel Promotion in the Department of Commerce to promote international inbound travel. "NTA strongly supports a greater federal presence in tourism promotion and development, with the long-range goal of creating a Department of Tourism within the federal government," said NTA Chairman and CEO Randy Julian.

The legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.