Meeting and Hospitality Industry Leaders Petition Congress
More than 70 U.S. companies and organizations--including meetings industry associations, convention and visitors bureaus, and hotels--signed a petition urging Congress to pass the Travel Promotion Act of 2007.
Sponsored by Sens. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 would establish a nonprofit Travel Promotion Corp. with a 14-member board consisting of representatives of states, the federal government, and the travel industry. The corporation would be authorized to promote international travel to the U.S. through advertising, outreach to trade shows, and other promotions. Efforts would be financed via the creation of a Travel Promotion Fund, initially financed by a $10 fee paid by overseas travelers from Visa Waiver countries.
"At no cost to the American taxpayer, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 creates a true public-private partnership that can position the United States to welcome millions of additional visitors each year," said Geoff Freeman, executive director of the Discover America Partnership, in a statement.
According to DAP, a coalition of leading hospitality industry companies, the U.S. has experienced a 17 percent decline in overseas travel since September 11, 2001, costing America an estimated $94 billion in lost visitor spending. The DAP believes the bill would result in 1.6 million new overseas visitors per year and place the U.S. on a level playing field with its global competitors, many of which spend millions of dollars recruiting visitors.
Among the organizations that signed the petition urging Congress to pass the bill are the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Expedia, American Express, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Hilton, Hyatt, Walt Disney Co., Meeting Professionals International, Greater Boston CVB, Philadelphia CVB, Professional Convention Management Association, Marriott International, and the Freeman Cos.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media Inc.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
Advertisement
Advertisement
Meetings Collaborative
Rate your experience with meeting venues and suppliers.
| Powered by: Meetings Collaborative | |
Apex Webinars
Demonstrating Leadership in Turbulent Times
Join MeetingsNet, the Convention Industry Council, and two meeting professionals to learn how seeking out professional development and volunteer opportunities can enhance your career advancement. Click here for free registration.
View it Now! | View APEX Archives
Webinars
Association Day: How to Plan a Winning International Meeting
Join MeetingsNet for two webinars for association professionals taking meetings outside the U.S., featuring expert panelists covering topics from launching your first international meeting to budgeting, sponsorship, and negotiations.
View on Demand | View Archived Webinars
Advertisement



















