[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 19, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7900-S7903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DORGAN (for himself, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Inouye):
  S. 1661. A bill to communicate United States travel policies and 
improve marketing and other activities designed to increase travel in 
the United States from abroad; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, today I am introducing, along with 
Senators Stevens and Inouye, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007. We seek 
with this bill to increase travel to the United States and rebuild the 
country's place in the global travel market. After 9/11, the number of 
overseas travelers to the United States decreased dramatically and has 
still not recovered. Travel and tourism are a crucial part of our 
export industry, but other countries have gained market share to our 
detriment. Foreign travelers are going elsewhere.
  The absence of federal leadership in travel promotion has resulted in 
States having to step in to fill that void. An example is the effort 
made by my home State of North Dakota, where tourism is the State's 
second largest industry, with visitors spending $3.36 billion in 2004. 
The investment that North Dakota made to encourage travel and tourism 
has reaped enormous benefits, with the State getting a return of 
investment of almost $82 for each dollar spent on travel promotion.
  While States have made inroads to attracting travelers, the lack of a 
coordinated federal campaign creates a comparative disadvantage with 
countries that have centralized ministries or offices to encourage 
international travel to their countries. The example of North Dakota 
should be a lesson for the entire country. The United States offers 
unique and diverse destinations for travelers--a small investment in 
national coordination has the potential to create a significant 
windfall for our economy.
  The Travel Promotion Act of 2007 will promote travel to the U.S., 
including areas not traditionally visited, highlighting the United 
States as a premier travel destination. The bill

[[Page S7901]]

will improve communication of United States travel policies and 
perceptions of the process. Negative perceptions can often deter 
foreigners from traveling to the United States. Our communities will 
benefit from growth of this multi-billion dollar industry. With an 
increase in visitors they will experience an increase in jobs and 
expansion of local economies.
  The bill initiates a nationally coordinated travel promotion campaign 
established in a public-private partnership to increase international 
travel to the United States. It creates a Corporation for Travel 
Promotion, an independent, nonprofit corporation, to run the travel 
promotion campaign. The program will be funded equally by a small fee 
paid by foreign travelers visiting the U.S. and matching contributions 
from the travel industry.
  This is a great country, and we should welcome visitors to our shores 
to meet our people and experience our culture. I thank the Chair and 
Vice-Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
for joining with me to develop this campaign and promote travel to our 
Nation.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1661

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) This Act may be cited as the ``Travel Promotion Act of 
     2007.''.
       (b) Table of Contents--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. The Corporation for Travel Promotion.
Sec. 3. Accountability measures.
Sec. 4. Matching public and private funding.
Sec. 5. Travel promotion program funding.
Sec. 6. Assessment authority.
Sec. 7. Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion.
Sec. 8. Research program.
Sec. 9. Definitions.

     SEC. 2. THE CORPORATION FOR TRAVEL PROMOTION.

       (a) Establishment.--The Corporation for Travel Promotion is 
     established as a nonprofit corporation. The Corporation shall 
     not be an agency or establishment of the United States 
     Government. The Corporation shall be subject to the 
     provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation 
     Act (D.C. Code, section 29-1001 et seq.), to the extent that 
     such provisions are consistent with this section, and shall 
     have the powers conferred upon a nonprofit corporation by 
     that Act to carry out its purposes and activities.
       (b) Board of Directors.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall have a board of 
     directors of 14 members, appointed by the Secretary of 
     Commerce, who are United States citizens with professional 
     expertise and experience in the fields of travel, 
     international travel promotion, and marketing and broadly 
     represent various regions of the Nation, of whom--
       (A) 1 shall represent hotel accommodations providers;
       (B) 2 shall represent restaurant and retail businesses;
       (C) 2 shall represent attractions and recreation 
     businesses;
       (D) 1 shall represent the passenger air transportation 
     business;
       (E) 1 shall represent the car rental business;
       (F) 3 shall represent State and local offices from 
     disparate regions of the country;
       (G) 1 shall be a Federal employee (as defined in section 
     2105 of title 5, United States Code);
       (H) 1 shall represent the higher education community; and
       (I) 2 shall represent the small business community.
       (2) Incorporation.--The members of the initial board of 
     directors shall serve as incorporators and shall take 
     whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation 
     under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act 
     (D.C. Code, section 29-1001 et seq.).
       (3) Term of office.--The term of office of each member of 
     the board appointed by the Secretary shall be 3 years, except 
     that, of the members first appointed--
       (A) 3 shall be appointed for terms of 1 year;
       (B) 4 shall be appointed for terms of 2 years; and
       (C) 4 shall be appointed for terms of 3 years.
       (4) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the board shall not affect 
     its power, but shall be filled in the manner required by this 
     section. Any member whose term has expired may serve until 
     the member's successor has taken office, or until the end of 
     the calendar year in which the member's term has expired, 
     whichever is earlier. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which that 
     member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of the predecessor's term. No member of the board 
     shall be eligible to serve more than 2 consecutive full 
     terms.
       (5) Election of chairman and vice chairman.--Members of the 
     board shall annually elect one of their members to be 
     Chairman and elect 1 or more of their members as a Vice 
     Chairman or Vice Chairmen.
       (6) Status as federal employees.--Notwithstanding any 
     provision of law to the contrary, no member of the board may 
     be considered to be a Federal employee of the United States 
     by virtue of his or her service as a member of the board.
       (7) Compensation; expenses.--No member shall receive any 
     compensation from the Federal government for serving on the 
     Council. Each member of the Council shall be paid actual 
     travel expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses 
     when away from his or her usual place of residence, in 
     accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
       (c) Officers and Employees.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall have a President, 
     and such other officers as may be named and appointed by the 
     board for terms and at rates of compensation fixed by the 
     board. No individual other than a citizen of the United 
     States may be an officer of the Corporation. The corporation 
     may hire and fix the compensation of such employees as may be 
     necessary to carry out its purposes. No officer or employee 
     of the Corporation may receive any salary or other 
     compensation (except for compensation for services on boards 
     of directors of other organizations that do not receive funds 
     from the Corporation, on committees of such boards, and in 
     similar activities for such organizations) from any sources 
     other than the Corporation for services rendered during the 
     period of his or her employment by the Corporation. Service 
     by any officer on boards of directors of other organizations, 
     on committees of such boards, and in similar activities for 
     such organizations shall be subject to annual advance 
     approval by the board and subject to the provisions of the 
     Corporation's Statement of Ethical Conduct. All officers and 
     employees shall serve at the pleasure of the board.
       (2) Nonpolitical nature of appointment.--No political test 
     or qualification shall be used in selecting, appointing, 
     promoting, or taking other personnel actions with respect to 
     officers, agents, or employees of the Corporation.
       (d) Nonprofit and Nonpolitical Nature of Corporation.--
       (1) Stock.--The Corporation shall have no power to issue 
     any shares of stock, or to declare or pay any dividends.
       (2) Profit.--No part of the income or assets of the 
     Corporation shall inure to the benefit of any director, 
     officer, employee, or any other individual except as salary 
     or reasonable compensation for services.
       (3) Politics.--The Corporation may not contribute to or 
     otherwise support any political party or candidate for 
     elective public office.
       (e) Duties and Powers.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall develop and execute 
     a plan--
       (A) to provide useful information to foreign tourists and 
     others interested in travelling to the United States, 
     including the distribution of material provided by the 
     Federal government concerning entry requirements, required 
     documentation, fees, and processes, to prospective travelers, 
     travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners, foreign 
     governments, travel media and other international 
     stakeholders;
       (B) to counter and correct misperceptions regarding United 
     States travel policy around the world;
       (C) to maximize the economic and diplomatic benefits of 
     travel to the United States by promoting the United States of 
     America to world travelers through the use of, but not 
     limited to, all forms of advertising, outreach to trade 
     shows, and other appropriate promotional activities;
       (D) to ensure that international travel benefits all States 
     and the District of Columbia, including areas not 
     traditionally visited by international travelers.; and
       (E) to give priority to the Corporation's efforts in terms 
     of countries and populations most likely to travel to the 
     United States.
       (2) Specific powers.--In order to carry out the purposes of 
     this section, the Corporation may--
       (A) obtain grants from and make contracts with individuals 
     and private companies, State, and Federal agencies, 
     organizations, and institutions;
       (B) hire or accept the voluntary services of consultants, 
     experts, advisory boards, and panels to aid the Corporation 
     in carrying out its purposes; and
       (C) take such other actions as may be necessary to 
     accomplish the purposes set forth in this section.
       (f) Open Meetings.--Meetings of the board of directors of 
     the Corporation, including any committee of the board, shall 
     be open to the public. The board may, by majority vote, close 
     any such meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the 
     confidentiality of commercial or financial information that 
     is privileged or confidential, to discuss personnel matters, 
     or to discuss legal matters affecting the Corporation, 
     including pending or potential litigation.
       (g) Major campaigns.--The board may not authorize the 
     Corporation to obligate or expend more than $25,000,000 on 
     any advertising campaign, promotion, or related effort 
     unless--
       (1) the obligation or expenditure is approved by an 
     affirmative vote of at least \2/3\ of

[[Page S7902]]

     the members of the board present at the meeting;
       (2) at least 8 members of the board are present at the 
     meeting at which it is approved; and
       (3) each member of the board has been given at least 3 days 
     advance notice of the meeting at which the vote is to be 
     taken and the matters to be voted upon at that meeting.
       (h) Fiscal Accountability.
       (1) Fiscal year.--The Corporation shall establish as its 
     fiscal year the 12-month period beginning on October 1.
       (2) Budget.--The Corporation shall adopt a budget for each 
     fiscal year.
       (3) Annual audits.--The Corporation shall engage an 
     independent accounting firm to conduct an annual financial 
     audit of the Corporation's operations and shall publish the 
     results of the audit. The Comptroller General shall have full 
     and complete access to the books and records of the 
     Corporation.

     SEC. 3. ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES.

       (a) Objectives.--The Board shall establish annual 
     objectives for the Corporation for each fiscal year subject 
     to approval by the Secretary. The Corporation shall establish 
     a marketing plan for each fiscal year not less than 60 days 
     before the beginning of that year and provide a copy of the 
     plan, and any revisions thereof, to the Secretary.
       (b) Budget.--The board shall transmit a copy of the 
     Corporation's budget for the forthcoming fiscal year to the 
     Secretary no later than August 16 immediately preceding that 
     fiscal year, together with an explanation of any expenditure 
     provided for by the budget in excess of $5,000,000 for the 
     fiscal year. The Corporation shall make a copy of the budget 
     and the explanation available to the public and shall provide 
     public access to the budget and explanation on the 
     Corporation's website.
       (c) Annual Report to Congress.--The Corporation shall 
     submit an annual report for the preceding fiscal year to the 
     Secretary of Commerce for transmittal to the Congress on or 
     before the 15th day of May of each year. The report shall 
     include--
       (1) a comprehensive and detailed report of the 
     Corporation's operations, activities, financial condition, 
     and accomplishments under this Act;
       (2) a comprehensive and detailed inventory of amounts 
     obligated or expended by the Corporation during the preceding 
     fiscal year;
       (3) an objective and quantifiable measurement of its 
     progress, on an objective-by-objective basis, in meeting the 
     objectives established by the board;
       (4) an explanation of the reason for any failure to achieve 
     an objective established by the board; and
       (5) such recommendations as the Corporation deems 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 4. MATCHING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING.

       (a) Establishment of Travel Promotion Fund.--There is 
     hereby established in the Treasury a fund which shall be 
     known as the Travel Promotion Fund.
       (b) Funding.--
       (1) First year.--For fiscal year 2008, the Corporation may 
     borrow from the Treasury beginning on October 1, 2007, such 
     sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $10,000,000, to 
     cover its initial expenses and activities under this Act. 
     Before October 1, 2012, the Corporation shall reimburse the 
     Treasury, without interest, for any such amounts borrowed 
     from the Treasury, using funds deposited in the Fund from 
     non-Federal sources. Amounts reimbursed to the Treasury shall 
     be treated as matching funds from non-Federal sources for 
     purposes of subsection (c) in the fiscal year in which such 
     reimbursements are made.
       (2) Subsequent years.--For each of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012, from amounts deposited in the general fund of 
     the Treasury during the preceding fiscal year from fees under 
     section 5 of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     transfer not more than $100,000,000 to the Fund, which shall 
     be made available to the Corporation, subject to subsection 
     (c) of this section, to carry out its functions under this 
     Act. Transfers shall be made at least quarterly on the basis 
     of estimates by the Secretary, and proper adjustments shall 
     be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent 
     prior estimates were in excess or less than the amounts 
     required to be transferred.
       (c) Matching Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--No amounts may be made available to the 
     Corporation under this section after fiscal year 2008, except 
     to the extent that--
       (A) for fiscal year 2009, the Corporation provides matching 
     funds from non-Federal sources equal in the aggregate to 50 
     percent or more of the amount transferred to the Fund under 
     subsection (b); and
       (B) for any fiscal year after fiscal year 2009, the 
     Corporation provides matching funds from non-Federal sources 
     equal in the aggregate to 100 percent of the amount 
     transferred to the Fund under subsection (b) for the fiscal 
     year.
       (2) Goods and services.--For the purpose of determining the 
     amount of matching funds, other than money, available to the 
     Corporation--
       (A) the fair market value of goods and services (including 
     advertising) contributed to the Corporation for use under 
     this Act may be included in the determination; but
       (B) the fair market value of such goods and services may 
     not account for more than 80 percent of the matching 
     requirement for the Corporation in any fiscal year.
       (3) Right of refusal.--The Corporation may decline to 
     accept any contribution in kind that it determines to be 
     inappropriate, not useful, or commercially worthless.
       (4) Carryforward.--The amount of any matching funds 
     received by the Corporation in fiscal year 2009, 2010, or 
     2011 that cannot be used as matching funds in the fiscal year 
     in which received may be carried forward and treated as 
     having been received in the succeeding fiscal year for 
     purposes of meeting the matching requirement of paragraph (1) 
     in such succeeding fiscal year.

     SEC. 5. TRAVEL PROMOTION FUND FEES.

       If a fully automated electronic traveler authorization 
     system to collect basic biographical information in order to 
     determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien 
     to travel to the United States is implemented, the United 
     States Government may charge a fee to an applicant for the 
     use of the system. The amount of any such fee initially shall 
     be at least $10, plus such amounts as may be necessary to 
     cover the cost of operating such a system, but may be reduced 
     thereafter if that amount is not necessary to ensure that the 
     Corporation is fully funded.

     SEC. 6. ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, the Corporation may impose an annual assessment on 
     United States members of the international travel and tourism 
     industry (other than those described in section 2(b)(1)(D), 
     (H), or (I)) represented on the Board in proportion to their 
     share of the aggregate international travel and tourism 
     revenue of the industry.
       (b) Initial Assessment Limited.--The Corporation may 
     establish the initial assessment after the date of enactment 
     of the Travel and Tourism Promotion Act at no greater, in the 
     aggregate, than $20,000,000.
       (c) Referenda.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation may not impose an annual 
     assessment unless--
       (A) the Corporation submits the proposed annual assessment 
     to members of the industry in a referendum; and
       (B) the assessment is approved by a majority of those 
     voting in the referendum.
       (3) Procedural requirements.--In conducting a referendum 
     under this subsection, the Corporation shall--
       (A) provide written or electronic notice not less than 60 
     days before the date of the referendum;
       (B) describe the proposed assessment or increase and 
     explain the reasons for the referendum in the notice; and
       (C) determine the results of the referendum on the basis of 
     weighted voting apportioned according to each business 
     entity's relative share of the aggregate annual United States 
     international travel and tourism revenue for the industry per 
     business entity, treating all related entities as a single 
     entity.
       (d) Collection.--
       (1) In general.--The Corporation shall establish a means of 
     collecting the assessment that it finds to be efficient and 
     effective. The Corporation may establish a late payment 
     charge and rate of interest to be imposed on any person who 
     fails to remit or pay to the Corporation any amount assessed 
     by the Corporation under this Act.
       (2) Enforcement.--The Corporation may bring suit in Federal 
     court to compel compliance with an assessment levied by the 
     Corporation under this Act.
       (e) Investment of Funds.--Pending disbursement pursuant to 
     a program, plan, or project, the Corporation may invest funds 
     collected through assessments, and any other funds received 
     by the Corporation, only in obligations of the United States 
     or any agency thereof, in general obligations of any State or 
     any political subdivision thereof, in any interest-bearing 
     account or certificate of deposit of a bank that is a member 
     of the Federal Reserve System, or in obligations fully 
     guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.

     SEC. 7. UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR TRAVEL PROMOTION.

       (a) In General.--Title II of the International Travel Act 
     of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2121 et seq.) is amended by inserting 
     after section 201 the following:

     ``SEC. 202. OFFICE OF TRAVEL PROMOTION.

       ``(a) Office Established.--There is established within the 
     Department of Commerce an office to be known as the Office of 
     Travel Promotion.
       ``(b) Under Secretary for Travel Promotion.--
       ``(1) In general.--The head of the Office shall be the 
     Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion. The Under 
     Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with 
     the advice and consent of the Senate.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--The Under Secretary shall--
       ``(A) be a citizen of the United States; and
       ``(B) have experience in a field directly related to the 
     promotion of travel in the United States.
       ``(3) Limitation on investments.--The Under Secretary may 
     not own stock in, or have a direct or indirect beneficial 
     interest in, a corporation or other enterprise engaged in the 
     travel, transportation, or hospitality business or in a 
     corporation or other enterprise that owns or operates theme 
     park or other entertainment facility.
       ``(c) Function.--The Under Secretary shall--
       ``(1) serve as liaison to the Corporation for Travel 
     Promotion established by section 2 of

[[Page S7903]]

     the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 and support and encourage 
     the development of programs to increase the number of 
     international visitors to the United States for business, 
     leisure, educational, medical, exchange, and other purposes;
       ``(2) work with the Corporation, the Secretary of State, 
     and the Secretary of Homeland Security--
       ``(A) to disseminate information more effectively to 
     potential international visitors about documentation and 
     procedures required for admission to the United States as a 
     visitor; and
       ``(B) to ensure that arriving international visitors are 
     processed efficiently and in a welcoming and respectful 
     manner;
       ``(3) support State, regional, and private sector 
     initiatives to promote travel to and within the United 
     States;
       ``(4) supervise the operations of the Office of Travel and 
     Tourism Industries; and
       ``(5) enhance the entry and departure experience for 
     international visitors.
       ``(d) Reports to Congress.--Within a year after the date of 
     enactment of the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, and 
     periodically thereafter as appropriate, the Under Secretary 
     shall transmit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Energy and Commerce describing the Under 
     Secretary's work with the Corporation, the Secretary of 
     State, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out 
     subsection (c)(2).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 5313 of title 5, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``The Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion.''.
       (2) The International Travel Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2121 et 
     seq.) is amended by striking ``Commerce (hereafter in this 
     Act referred to as the `Secretary')'' in section 201 (22 
     U.S.C. 2122) and inserting ``Commerce, acting through the 
     Under Secretary for Travel Promotion,''.

     SEC. 8. RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       Title II of the International Travel Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
     2121 et seq.), as amended by section 6, is further amended by 
     inserting after section 202 the following:

     ``SEC. 203. RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       ``The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries shall expand 
     and continue its research and development activities in 
     connection with the promotion of international travel to the 
     United States, including--
       ``(1) expanding access to the official Mexican travel 
     surveys data to provide the States with traveler 
     characteristics and visitation estimates for targeted 
     marketing programs;
       ``(2) revising the Commerce Department's Survey of 
     International Travelers questionnaire and report formats to 
     accommodate a new survey instrument, expanding the respondent 
     base, improving response rates, and improving market 
     coverage;
       ``(3) developing estimates of international travel exports 
     (expenditures) on a State-by-State basis to enable each State 
     to compare its comparative position to national totals and 
     other States;
       ``(4) evaluate the success of the Corporation in achieving 
     its objectives and carrying out the purposes of the Travel 
     Promotion Act of 2007; and
       ``(5) research to support the annual report required by 
     section 202(d) of this Act.''.
       ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce 
     for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 such sums as may be 
     necessary to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the board of directors 
     of the Corporation.
       (2) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' means the 
     Corporation for Travel Promotion established by section 2.
       (3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Travel Promotion 
     Fund established by section 4.
       (4) Secretary.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, the 
     term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce.

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, the travel and tourism industry is a 
driving force for our Nation's economy. In 2006, the industry generated 
a $7.3 billion trade surplus. In 2006, international receipts for 
travel-related tourism spending reached $107.8 billion. Travel and 
tourism supported 8.3 million American jobs in 2006, of which 1.1 
million were supported by international travel and tourism. In Hawaii, 
tourism is the largest industry bringing in approximately $12 billion 
annually, $4 billion of which derives from international visitor 
spending.
  International tourism brings more than economic returns. 
International travelers who visit our country can advance our standing 
overseas. Studies have shown that, after visiting the United States and 
interacting with Americans, 74 percent of visitors have a more 
favorable opinion of our country.
  In recent years, overseas travel to the United States has suffered. 
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack, the United 
States made a number of necessary changes in the visa and entry 
processes to improve security, but some of those changes have confused 
and deterred visitors from even the friendliest countries. Many in the 
travel industry have continued to express concerns about the perception 
that the U.S. entry process is unnecessarily antagonistic.
  In order to strengthen our competitiveness and recover lost 
international market share, we must improve and better explain the 
process for travelers coming to America. The world needs to know that 
the United States welcomes business and leisure travelers.
  In addressing these concerns, and in recognizing the benefits of 
travel promotion, I am pleased to join my colleagues, Senator Dorgan 
and Vice Chairman Stevens, in introducing the Travel Promotion Act of 
2007. The bill establishes a nonprofit, independent corporation charged 
with reaching out to potential international travelers, clarifying the 
ease of travel to America, and encouraging them to visit. As experts 
have testified in hearings before the Commerce Committee, a unified 
effort to promote tourism to all areas of the United States is 
necessary and cannot be achieved by the industry alone.
  The proposed corporation will be run by 14 board members, appointed 
by the Secretary of Commerce, who represent all aspects of the travel 
industry, including State tourism boards, hotels, and airlines, as well 
as the Federal Government. A small fee collected from international 
travelers to the United States will help fund the corporation, but its 
costs will be truly shared with industry. In order to receive the funds 
collected by the Government, the corporation will need to raise 
matching funds from the travel industry. By working together, the 
Federal and State governments and business will be able to revitalize 
the travel industry and make America a stronger and more welcoming 
destination.
  In most developed countries, the minister of tourism is one of the 
most powerful and important positions in the government. For too long, 
our Government has relegated travel and tourism to a second tier 
status. The bill seeks to improve that status by creating an Under 
Secretary of Commerce for Travel Promotion who would work with the 
State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as 
the corporation, to improve travel promotion efforts and the entry 
process for international travelers.
  The travel and tourism industry helps drive the U.S. economy. The 
Travel Promotion Act of 2007 will enhance our competitiveness while 
improving our image abroad, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
measure.
                                 ______