III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 451 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 9, 2012 Mr. Begich (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Graham, Mr. Heller, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Vitter, and Mr. Warner) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States of America.

Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 when Congress passed 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 5 through 13, 2012; Whereas more than 120 travel destinations throughout the United States are holding events in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week; Whereas the travel and tourism industry supports more than 14,000,000 jobs in the United States; Whereas the travel and tourism industry employs individuals in all 50 States and all the territories of the United States; Whereas international travel to the United States is the single largest export industry in the country; Whereas the travel and tourism industry, Congress, and the executive branch 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 $2,000,000,000,000 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

That the Senate— (1)recognizes May 5 through 13, 2012, as National Travel and Tourism Week; (2)commends the travel and tourism industry for its important contributions to the United States of America; and (3)commends the employees of the travel and tourism industry for their important contributions to the United States of America.