[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 147 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 147

    To designate the week beginning on the second Saturday in May as 
                   National Travel and Tourism Week.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 12, 2009

 Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Martinez) submitted the following 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary   

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    To designate 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, healthcare, education, 
            cultural understanding, and public diplomacy;
    Whereas the travel industry is the fifth largest employer in the 
            United States, supporting 7.7 million American workers and 
            creating one of every eight non-farm jobs across the 
            country;
    Whereas domestic and international travel last year generated an 
            estimated $740 billion in direct expenditures and $115 
            billion in Federal, State and local tax revenues;
    Whereas international travel to the United States is a critical 
            tool for enhancing America's image abroad and has 
            significantly benefited the Nation's balance of trade for 
            over 20 years;
    Whereas overseas visits to the United States are still 633,000 
            below pre-September 11 levels;
    Whereas the U.S. must keep better pace with the expanding global 
            travel market starting with a nationally coordinated travel 
            promotion program to attract millions of new international 
            visitors;
    Whereas meetings, events, and incentive travel programs are core 
            business functions that help companies to strengthen 
            business relationships, align and educate employees and 
            customers, and reward business performance;
    Whereas travel and tourism can serve as a catalyst to help 
            stimulate the national economy;
    Whereas the Congress designated the first National Tourism Week in 
            1984 and encouraged celebrations in all 50 States and the 
            Territories; and
    Whereas National Tourism Week has been observed and celebrated each 
            May since: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates the week beginning on the second Saturday in 
        May of each year as National Travel and Tourism Week;
            (2) invites Governors, mayors, and other elected officials 
        from across the country to issue proclamations on such week to 
        raise awareness of the value of travel to the welfare of the 
        Nation; and
            (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation each 
        year encouraging the people of the United States to observe 
        such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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