US Act to boost global promotions

America’s long-awaited Travel Promotion Act  has finally been passed by the US Senate by a vote of 79-19. The new Act will create a public-private partnership to develop the first-ever promotion and communications programme aimed at travellers around the world.

The programme is expected to create 40,000 U.S. jobs, drive $4 billion in new consumer spending and reduce the U.S. federal budget deficit by $425 million.  It will focus on encouraging overseas visitors into the US and encouraging the spending – which is currently at an average of $4,500 per person, per trip in the United States.

Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said: “The United States Senate has taken a giant step toward regaining America’s position as the premier travel destination and strengthening our struggling economy. Nearly every company, city, state and developed nation understands the power of promotion. By getting in the global game, America will create tens of thousands of new jobs and strengthen its image in the world as visitors leave with an improved perception of our country and her people.”

The industry has been lobbying for this increased recognition and investment for the last two year and the fact that approval has come now indicates the importance the U.S. government places on the part the travel industry plays in the nation’s economy.

Once passed by the House of Representatives and enacted into law, the Act will begin having an impact on the industry.

For more information on the Act visit www.poweroftravel.org