[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 AND TOURISM

                                 ______


                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, National Tourism Week will be held May 1-7 of 
this year, and today the American Society of Travel Agents [ASTA] is 
hosting its annual March on Washington. It is only appropriate, then, 
that I rise today to bring to the Members' attention the benefits of 
our country's No. 1 exporter and No. 2 employer: travel and tourism.
  Few Americans realize that the travel tourism industry generates a 
whopping $350 billion in annual sales--7 percent of the gross domestic 
product [GDP]. And, in 1992, for the region encompassing my central 
Pennsylvania congressional district, travel and tourism brought in 
spending by visitors of nearly $500 million, a payroll of over $200 
million, local and State tax receipts of $50 million, and an employment 
base of over 15,000 people. By any standard this is a major industry, 
and one expected to continually grow as working couples seek relaxing 
getaways, older couples spend more of their time traveling, and 
families decide to vacation as the way to spend time together.
  However, the industry is not without its problems. Travel taxes are 
becoming the perceived solution to everyone else's revenue problems, 
making the taxes a nearly unmanageable burden to the traveler and the 
provider. And, telemarketing fraud and crimes against tourists must be 
addressed if the industry is to provide consumers with the most for 
their tourism dollar.
  Travel and tourism activities are important to those who economically 
benefit from them--the providers--and those that use them--the 
tourists. We all suffer if travel and tourism suffers. That's why next 
year's White House Conference on Travel and Tourism is vital to the 
continued effort to expend and improve the industry, for the economy 
and for those who take advantage of the wonderful opportunities for 
enjoyment that the United States' travel and tourism industry provides.

                          ____________________