SHAHEEN: TOURISM PROMOTION BILL PASSES SENATE
Travel Promotion Act of 2009 to aid economic recovery and job creation in New Hampshire
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, which she cosponsored, has passed in the Senate. The bill creates a public-private partnership, the Corporation for Travel Promotion, and an Office of Travel Promotion within the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote tourism across the country, specifically to international travelers.
"Tens of thousands of jobs in New Hampshire are created and sustained through tourism, and we must do more to attract international visitors to our nation's natural wonders," said Shaheen. "The Travel Promotion Act will help cities, towns, and resort communities in New Hampshire attract more overseas travelers, and has the potential to bring millions of additional tourism dollars to the state."
"Tourism is essential to our state's economy, and international travel is an important component," said Alice DeSouza, director of New Hampshire's Division of Travel and Tourism Development. "As Governor, Jeanne Shaheen elevated the promotion and role of tourism. Now, as Senator, she continues her leadership and support of this very important sector of New Hampshire's economy. I thank her for her continued efforts on behalf of this industry."
"Tourism is vital to our businesses and New Hampshire's economy, and I am very grateful for Senator Shaheen's support of the Travel Promotion Act," said Rusty McLear, owner of the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls and Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith. "This legislation will attract more international visitors to our state, helping to support the many small businesses in New Hampshire that rely on tourism to survive."
Tourism is the second largest industry in New Hampshire in terms of jobs supported by dollars brought in from outside the state. Last year, tourism in New Hampshire supported approximately 67,000 direct full-time and part-time jobs.
The Travel Promotion Act establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion, an independent, non-profit corporation governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. It also creates an Office of Travel Promotion in the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop programs to increase the number of international visitors to the United States.
