IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 105 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 23, 2009 Mr. Farr (for himself and Mr. Blunt) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the second Saturday in May as National Travel and Tourism Week.

Whereas business and leisure travel are vital to the United States, enhancing our economic prosperity, health care, education, cultural understanding, and public diplomacy; Whereas the travel industry is the fifth largest employer in the United States, supporting 7,700,000 workers in the United States; Whereas domestic and international travel is a $740,000,000,000 industry producing $115,000,000,000 in Federal, State, and local tax revenues; Whereas international travel to the United States is a critical tool for enhancing the country’s image abroad and has significantly benefited the Nation’s balance of trade for 20 years; Whereas overseas visits to the United States are still 633,000 visits below pre-September 11 levels; Whereas the United States must keep a better pace with the expanding global travel market starting with a nationally coordinated travel promotion program to attract millions of new international visitors; Whereas business travel, particularly meetings and events, are core functions that help companies to strengthen business relationships, align and educate employees and customers, and reward business performance; Whereas travel can serve as a catalyst to help stimulate the national economy; Whereas Congress designated the first National Tourism Week in 1984 and encouraged celebrations in all 50 States and the Territories; Whereas National Tourism Week has been observed and celebrated each May since; and Whereas the week beginning on the second Saturday in May would be an appropriate week to designate as “National Travel and Tourism Week: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)supports the designation of “National Travel and Tourism Week”; (2)calls on governors, mayors, and other elected officials from across the country to issue proclamations to raise awareness of the value of travel to the welfare of the Nation; and (3)encourages the President to issue a proclamation encouraging the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.