Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Klobuchar Heralds Passage of Travel Promotion Act

Klobuchar, Chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the U.S. tourism industry, has been a leading voice in support of legislation Legislation estimated to create nearly 40,000 jobs and generate $4 billion for U.S. economy

September 9, 2009

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the U.S. tourism industry and one of the leading voices in support of the Travel Promotion Act, today heralded passage of this bipartisan legislation.  The Travel Promotion Act has no cost for taxpayers and will promote the United States as an international travel destination, stimulate the economy and create jobs.  The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 79 to 19.

Klobuchar has been a strong advocate for the millions of Americans who work in the tourism industry, chairing a Senate hearing on tourism in Washington, holding field hearings in Minnesota, and speaking repeatedly on the Senate floor about the need to pass the Travel Promotion Act.  Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the legislation and helped push it through both the Senate Commerce Committee and the full Senate.

“Tourism is a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth, both in Minnesota and nationally, but today the travel industry is facing many challenges,” said Klobuchar.  “By passing the Travel Promotion Act, we will not only boost the tourism industry, but our economy.  We passed a bill today that will promote the U.S. abroad, create jobs and stimulate economic growth, with no cost to taxpayers.”

In May, Klobuchar chaired hearings in Washington, D.C. as well as in Duluth and the Brainerd Lakes area to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the travel and tourism industry in the midst of the current economic downturn.  She has also traveled across the state, including to International Falls, Bemidji and Grand Marais to meet with Minnesotans working in the tourism industry and discuss how to better promote tourism in the state.

Tourism is critical to Minnesota’s economy.  It is the fifth largest industry in the state, generating $11 billion in sales and providing nearly 11 percent of the state’s total private sector employment.

The Travel Promotion Act will attract an estimated 1.6 million new international visitors to the country and add $4 billion to the U.S. economy.  An analysis by the U.S. Travel Association reveals that this program will create nearly 40,000 new American jobs.  Additionally, a report by the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will reduce the budget deficit by $425 million over the next 10 years.

The legislation will establish a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination. It calls for travel promotion to be paid for by private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who enter the United States.  Canadian citizens are exempt from the fee.

###

Senator Klobuchar’s Offices

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Main Line: 612-727-5220
Main Fax: 612-727-5223
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1134 7th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Main Line: 507-288-5321
Fax: 507-288-2922

121 4th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Main Line: 218-287-2219
Fax: 218-287-2930

Olcott Plaza, Suite 105
820 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792
Main Line: 218-741-9690
Fax: 218-741-3692