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Amy in the News

Klobuchar's Travel Act Signed Into Law

International Falls Daily Journal

March 10, 2010

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar attended the White House signing ceremony for the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act.

As chairman of the Senate subcommittee that oversees the U.S. tourism industry, Klobuchar, D-Minn., cosponsored the legislation that will promote America as a tourist attraction and help the U.S. compete with other countries’ tourism promotion efforts. The Travel Promotion Act will help attract an estimated 1.6 million new international visitors and add $4 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

“Tourism is a powerful engine for job creation both in Minnesota and nationally,” said Klobuchar. “By enacting the Travel Promotion Act, we will attract visitors from abroad, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, with no cost to taxpayers.”

Money for travel promotion would be generated by private sector contributions, and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who enter the United States. Canada is exempt from the $10 fee that would be placed on foreign travelers.

Tourism is the fifth largest industry in Minnesota, generating $11 billion in sales and providing nearly 11 percent of the state’s total private sector employment, according to Klobuchar. Nationwide, an analysis by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that programs authorized by the Travel Promotion Act will create nearly 40,000 new American jobs.

A report by the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will reduce the budget deficit by $425 million over the next 10 years.