Words do matter, especially when they come from our leaders in Washington.

We need to tell the world about the improvements we have made to the entry process.

This isn't a free ride for the industry. We will be contributing our fair share to make it work.

So an argument could be made that if we had this kind of national promotion, it would actually be of great benefit to some of the what you call second-tier tourism?

I am a cosponsor of the Travel Promotion Act, a measure re-introduced this week by Senator Dorgan.

it is a longer view that you have to take.

this Promotion Act is one of the pieces, it will have a multi-year effect if we don't do something now.

I think it is very important for people to know that smaller resorts and areas that aren't in the top four tourist destinations have also seen a decrease.

As you and your colleagues consider policies and legislation, such as the Travel Promotion Act, we encourage you to remember that travel is good for America.

the biggest chunk of the tourism business is the small business community--the mom and pop operators.

We are clearly losing part of this international market share, some because of the economy, but some because other countries have been promoting their countries for tourism.

Chairwoman Klobuchar, I would like to commend you for taking the time to hear from our industry.