[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 729 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 729

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          June 6, 2006.
Whereas travel and tourism has a major impact on the economy of the United 
        States as the 3rd largest retail sales industry in the Nation;
Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in the United States civilian labor 
        force is directly or indirectly employed in the travel and tourism 
        industry;
Whereas international travel to the United States is the largest service export, 
        having generated a trade surplus for 16 consecutive years, increasing 
        144 percent between 2003 to 2004 to over $4 billion;
Whereas, in 2005, travel and tourism-related expenditures reached $1 trillion, 
        including $596 billion in direct sales and $445 billion in indirect 
        sales, and supported 8 million jobs;
Whereas the Department of Commerce has released the 2004 international year-end 
        arrivals data, revealing that the level of international travel to the 
        United States increased by 12 percent from 2003 to 46 million in 2004, 
        with overseas visitors increasing 13 percent, to 20 million in 2004;
Whereas domestic and international traveler spending in the United States 
        generated $99.4 billion in taxes for Federal, State and local 
        governments in 2004;
Whereas tourism contributes substantially to personal growth, education, 
        appreciation of cross-cultural differences, and the enhancement of 
        international understanding and good will;
Whereas the abundant natural and man-made attractions of the United States and 
        the hospitality of the American people establish the United States as 
        the preeminent destination for both foreign and domestic travelers;
Whereas National Tourism Week was established by Congress in 1983, and first 
        celebrated in May 1984, when President Ronald Reagan signed a 
        proclamation urging citizens to observe the week with appropriate 
        ceremonies and activities;
Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism Week has been celebrated each May by the 
        travel and tourism community, travel industry associations, as well as 
        many States, cities, and localities throughout the Nation; and
Whereas May 13 through 21, 2006, is the 23rd annual National Tourism Week: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports National Tourism Week; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon 
        the people of the United States and interested groups to observe 
        National Tourism Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.