[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  COMMEMORATING NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK

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                           HON. BILL McCOLLUM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 1997

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National 
Tourism Week. The designation of May 4 to 10 is a great way to deliver 
the message that travel and tourism are vital to the U.S. economy. 
Today, May 7, is actually Tourist Appreciation Day. Approximately 3,000 
communities are expected to participate in this celebration with 
awareness campaigns to stress the importance and success of tourism in 
the United States.
  I know it seems odd to tout the importance of something that many of 
us take for granted. It seems that as long as there are planes, trains, 
and automobiles, people will travel. But the positive impact of tourism 
is incredible. In fact, tourism is America's largest services export 
industry, second largest employer, and third largest retail sales 
industry. This is a $440 billion industry, directly employing 6.6 
million Americans.
  Perhaps one of tourism's biggest benefits is on our trade situation. 
We continue to worry about our trade deficit. However, as the leading 
export, tourism drew more than $80 billion in expenditures by 43.4 
million international visitors, creating a $19.5 billion surplus. It is 
staggering to think that international visitors spend $218 million per 
day on their trips to the United States.
  On a more local level for me, Orlando and the entire State of Florida 
are popular tourist destinations. The mix of climate, theme attractions 
and natural beauty are instant draws to my district and State. I have 
the honor and pleasure to represent the Orlando area and see firsthand 
the benefits tourism can bring. The revenues generated by people 
visiting our State allow the State legislature to keep State taxes low. 
Florida still does not have a State income tax for this reason. 
Employment in Florida, especially central Florida, remains strong. Over 
650,000 jobs are supported in Florida by tourists.
  But aside from the economic benefits of tourism, Mr. Speaker, we 
simply must recognize the other bonuses of tourism. Vacations yield 
families quality time together. Traveling to new and interesting places 
is educational for people of all ages. International tourism promotes 
cultural and political understanding among different peoples. The list 
is virtually endless.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important to realize the importance of 
tourism to the U.S. economy and that our efforts in Congress reflect 
that. It is my hope that my colleagues will take note of National 
Tourism Week and Tourist Appreciation Day. We cannot afford to discount 
this critical industry.

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