US to finally get a national tourism promotion agency

Despite welcoming 25 million foreign tourists a year, the United States does not have a national tourism board to help promote the country at a federal level. But this about to change when a bill to establish a non-profit tourist promote corporation sailed through the senate.

In a 78-18 vote, the creation of this new Travel Promotion Act, now only needs President Obama’s signature to proceed, and he has expressed his support for the idea.

Funded jointly by the public and private sector to the tune of $100 million, the new scheme aims to boost arrivals to the US from abroad, prompted by the fact that fewer foreigners are visiting America now than in 2000. Despite a jump in international tourist numbers from 682 million to 880 million over the past decade, the US has seen its numbers fall from 25.9m arrivals to 23.5m.

“This bill will help alleviate much of the confusion that exists with regard to new security procedures, and attract new international visitors annually,” commented Bruce Jostens, executive vice president of Government Affairs for the Chamber.

“By doing so, it will create jobs, strengthen our economy, spur economic investment, and provide an important diplomatic benefit for our country.”

“The United States has some of the greatest vacation destinations in the world and should seek to attract legitimate travellers,” added Mr Josten.

However, for Europeans there is price to be paid. Part of the financing might come from levying a $10 fee on previously free visa-on-arrivals issued to visitors from Britain and the EU in general.