Schatz, Klobuchar, Blunt, Kirk Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Contributions of Tourism to U.S. Passes Senate During National Travel and Tourism Week

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today announced that their bipartisan resolution recognizing the contributions of tourism to the United States passed the Senate. The bipartisan resolution supports the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week—which this year is being marked on May 2-10—and recognizes the important role travel and tourism play in boosting the U.S. economy. One out of every nine jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism, and the industry supports 15 million jobs across the country. Tourism is the single largest export industry in the U.S. Senators Schatz, Klobuchar, Blunt, and Kirk are co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Tourism Caucus.   

“Tourism and travel gives us the chance to share Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and culture with the rest of the world,” said Senator Schatz.  “It’s not only a great way to share Hawai‘i’s vibrant culture, it’s one of the most important sectors of our local economy, creating good jobs and supporting thousands of small businesses.  I’m proud to join my colleagues to recognize the important role our visitor industry plays, and I look forward to continue working on policies that promote travel to Hawai‘i and boost our local economy.”

“From the Mall of America to the Boundary Waters, there are countless reasons for international tourists to come experience Minnesota for themselves,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Tourism to Minnesota generates nearly $12 billion in sales, which provides a big boost to cities and towns all across our state. We need to do everything we can to attract more visitors to the U.S. who will help our businesses and communities thrive.”

“Travel and tourism are an important part of Missouri’s economy, as nearly 40 million visitors traveled to see our wide range of attractions last year, creating jobs and generating more than $15 billion in revenue for the state,” said Senator Blunt. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this bipartisan resolution as we work to promote the job-creating travel and tourism industries in Missouri and each and every state.”

“Chicago set a tourism record in 2014 with 3.98 million hotel rooms sold. With 55 million visitors a year by 2020, travel and tourism will bring more than $30 million to Illinois annually,” said Senator Kirk. “New 10-year Chinese tourist visas would encourage even more visitors to our state and nation – I applaud my colleagues for recognizing the importance of travel and tourism to our nation.”

The full text of the resolution is below:

Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 through the enactment of the Joint Resolution entitled “Joint Resolution to designate the week beginning May 27, 1984, as ‘National Tourism Week’”, approved November 29, 1983 (Public Law 98–178; 97 Stat. 1126), which recognized the value of travel and tourism;

Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated across the United States from May 2 through May 10, 2015;

Whereas more than 120 travel destinations throughout the United States are holding events in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week;

Whereas 1 out of every 9 jobs in the United States depends on travel and tourism, and the industry supports 15,000,000 jobs in the United States;

Whereas the travel and tourism industry employs individuals in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and all the territories of the United States;

Whereas international travel to the United States is the single largest export industry in the country, generating a trade surplus balance of approximately $74,000,000,000;

Whereas the travel and tourism industry, Congress, and the President have worked to streamline the visa process and make the United States welcoming to visitors from other countries;

Whereas travel and tourism provide significant economic benefits to the United States by generating nearly $2,100,000,000,000 in annual economic output;

Whereas leisure travel allows individuals to experience the rich cultural heritage and educational opportunities of the United States and its communities; and

Whereas the immense value of travel and tourism cannot be overstated: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Travel and Tourism Week;

(2) commends the travel and tourism industry for its important contributions to the United States; and

(3) commends the employees of the travel and tourism industry for their important contributions to the United States.

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