Political Quotes

“I want to remind this body that the travel and tourism industry is the Nation's second largest employer, providing more than 14,000,000 jobs; the third largest retail sales industry, and in 1994, travel and tourism generated more than $58 billion in tax revenues. Mr. Speaker, dollars that tourists spend trickle down to local communities and benefit the whole U.S. economy. The travel and tourism industry is diverse and touches every sector of our society, from business to the arts to education. While travel and tourism is growing throughout the world, the U.S. market share is on the decline. With the closing of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration [USTTA] in April, promotion of travel and tourism has dropped to zero. We must revitalize this dynamic industry by passing H.R. 2579 during the 104th Congress. This important bill would merge the resources of the private sector and the Federal Government to improve the promotion of international travel and tourism to the United States. The legislation would provide the means to encourage international travelers to visit the United States. Federal support for travel and tourism would protect jobs and promote a healthy American economy for the 21st century.”