Key House Panel Passes Delahunt-Blunt Travel Bill

09/16/2008

WASHINGTON, DC – A key House Subcommittee today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt and Minority Whip Roy Blunt that will address the steep decline in overseas visitors to the United States.

“This bill is imperative both for local economic development and for our nation’s global image,” said Delahunt, who represents the world-class tourist region of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.  “Today’s vote is an important first step in passing this legislation that will make it far easier for foreign visitors to come to the United States and I look forward to working towards a full Committee vote soon.” 

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection passed the “Travel Promotion Act,” which has been a top priority for Delahunt.  The legislation is supported by 17 chairmen and ranking members of House committees and subcommittees. 

At no cost to US taxpayers, the Delahunt-Blunt bill would authorize a coordinated campaign to promote travel to the United States and to communicate US visitor entry and security policies abroad.  These efforts would be funded by the private sector and a modest fee paid by travelers from countries benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program. The proposal establishes a Corporation for Travel Promotion, an independent, non-profit corporation governed by a 14-member board of directors appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.   The Board would be charged with promoting the United States as a travel destination, better explaining U.S entry processes to the world, and streamlining the process of obtaining a visa while in foreign countries.

Statistics show that overseas travelers are avoiding the United States. Two million fewer visited in 2007 than in 2000 – even though the global travel market is growing and even though the low value of the dollar should make the US an attractive destination. Since the September 2001, the decline in foreign visitors has cost America nearly $140 billion in lost visitor spending, $22 billion in lost tax receipts and 230,000 lost U.S. jobs.

In addition, the Congressman serves as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee and has held a series of 10 hearings this year alone on the deteriorating reputation of the Untied States around the world.  One of these hearings focused on the negative perceptions of US visa and entry policies – and the impact of these perceptions on travel and tourism across America.

In a report released by the Subcommittee earlier this year, it was concluded that an “important source of information (which demonstrates one’s perception of the United States) is actual contact with Americans, either in the United States or abroad. Millions of Americans are abroad every year and our Armed Forces alone keep thousands of soldiers, families, and support personnel abroad. In addition, approximately 50 million people come to America each year to visit, work temporarily, or live. All of these categories of people, who meet Americans abroad or here, then pass along their impressions to their friends and family.” The Delahunt-Blunt bill would address the horror stories – some true and some not – that have appeared in the foreign press about the ordeal of legal entry into the United States.  By facilitating increased travel to the United States, this would, in time, also help to approve the image of the United States abroad. 

The Delahunt-Blunt bill will give the American economy a vital boost and strengthen America’s image abroad without costing taxpayers a penny.  The measure enjoys the vigorous support of the Conference of Mayors and US Olympic Committee as well as key players in the travel and tourism industry. 

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