[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, this week our Nation will celebrate the 20th 
Anniversary of America's leading industry--the industry you all use--
but never consider as an industry. It's called the Travel and Tourism 
Industry.
  The Travel and Tourism Industry is present in every Congressional 
district in the US. It's our restaurants, our museums, rental car 
companies, hotels, sports arenas, ski shops, and beaches.
  Travel and Tourism brings in over $1.5 billion to the economy of my 
district alone. There are 18 million Americans employed directly or 
indirectly by the tourism industry, and it is one of the few industries 
that creates a multi-billion dollar trade surplus.
  As Co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, I've 
worked with my colleague Mark Foley of Florida to educate this body on 
the importance of tourism to this Nation's economy and to our 
districts' local economies.
  The Travel and Tourism Industry has suffered many setbacks over the 
last two years including 9/11, the War in Iraq, SARS, and our 
struggling economy. All this hurt an industry which requires people to 
have confidence. So I encourage all Americans to take this opportunity 
to get out there. Take a trip, go to dinner, or visit a park or museum. 
Enjoy this great country of ours and share it with others.
  Let's honor the 20th Anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week.

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