[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEVADA COMMISSION ON 
                                TOURISM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues, 
Congresswoman Shelley Berkeley and Congressman Jim Gibbons, to 
recognize the significant contributions of the Nevada Commission on 
Tourism in leading the United States in tourism marketing and promotion 
in China.
  Since 2002, the Nevada Commission on Tourism has been instrumental in 
collaborating with Chinese officials to strengthen international ties 
with this burgeoning tourist economy. The Nevada Commission on Tourism 
is the first U.S. tourism entity at any government level to be granted 
a license by the Chinese government to advertise its tourism 
attractions to prospective Chinese tourists. All of this was achieved 
in less than 1 year and with minimal costs to taxpayers.
  The result of their efforts has not solely benefited the State of 
Nevada, but has encouraged tourism to all parts of the United States. 
Statistically, Chinese tourism to the United States has increased by 20 
percent from 2003 to 2004, when Nevada was able to achieve its 
licensing goals. Therefore, through their innovative efforts, the 
Nevada Commission on Tourism has paved the way for other States to 
actively participate in marketing to this uniquely lucrative economy.
  We are encouraged by the tremendous growth in Chinese tourism and we 
recognize that there is fertile ground in this burgeoning international 
travel and tourism market. Further, we are optimistic that other states 
will follow Nevada's lead and actively begin to market travel and 
tourism to China, the world's largest market place.
  Mr. Speaker, again, we applaud the uniquely monumental efforts of the 
Nevada Commission on Tourism and look forward to witnessing an even 
greater increase in Chinese tourism to our State and other tourist 
destinations throughout the United States.




                          ____________________