Washington, D.C. – Rep. Heath Shuler voted on Wednesday for the Travel Promotion Act that is designed to annually attract up to 1.6 million new international visitors to the United States.
Passed overwhelmingly by the House, the bill will provide a boost to the tourism industry throughout the country, including travel destinations such as Western North Carolina. Additionally, this legislation will create nearly 40,000 jobs in the first year, according to one study.
“This legislation will increase legitimate foreign travel to the U.S. by creating a private-public partnership that does not require any U.S. taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville, who cosponsored the bill.
The legislation will provide up to $100 million to accompany funds provided by the tourism industry to promote international travel to the U.S. In addition to funding provided by the tourism industry, overseas visitors who enter the United States under the visa waiver program will pay a $10 fee to further fund the program.
“International travelers will provide a much needed economic jolt to the U.S. economy,” said Rep. Shuler. “Our region has the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the nation, as well as a host of other parks and attractions that will appeal to overseas visitors.”
Tourists spent more than $1.80 billion in Western North Carolina last year and supported more than 21,000 jobs, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
While the governments of most developed nations spend money on travel promotion, the United States does not. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the House. The Senate already has approved the legislation, and President Obama is expected to sign it into law shortly.
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