[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         TRAVEL AGENTS HONORED FOR THEIR ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS

                                 ______


                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the travel and 
tourism industry on the occasion of the travel industry march on 
Washington sponsored by the American Society of Travel Agents.
  The importance of the travel and tourism industry often is 
overlooked, but the industry is our Nation's number one exporter, 
number two employer and will be America's largest industry by 2000. It 
generates $350 billion in annual sales, which adds up to 7 percent of 
the gross domestic product. The march provides industry leaders with an 
opportunity to discuss their concerns with Members of Congress.
  Travel and tourism is a growing industry for a very simple reason: 
Americans are traveling in record numbers. Travel agents want our help 
to keep the industry healthy and growing. There are several things we 
can do:
  Reduce the tax burden on travelers. The industry is stymied by the 
heavy tax burden it carries. That is the principle focus of this year's 
march on Washington. In the last 5 years, travel taxes at the Federal, 
State and local levels have increased a staggering 75 percent. Travel 
and tourism activities will not be able to compete effectively if the 
cumulative burden of taxes at all levels of government forces consumers 
to spend their discretionary dollars elsewhere.
  Pass legislation to promote travel safety. The Travelers Protection 
Act is part of the major crime bill now under consideration. It is 
designed to strengthen penalties against those who commit a crime 
against a domestic or foreign tourist. Further exploration of ways to 
make America safer for guests also is needed.
  Combat telemarketing scams through legislation such as the 
Telemarketing Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, which is now in 
conference. This measure makes it more difficult for travel scam 
artists to operate.
  I thank the American Society of Travel Agents for bringing the 
importance of its industry to the attention of the U.S. Congress and 
wish the members much success in their annual march on Washington.

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