[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Travel and 
Tourism Caucus and an original co-sponsor of this bill, I am pleased to 
see The Travel Promotion Act (H.R. 3232) pass the House of 
Representatives.
  This legislation will re-establish the United States as a premier 
destination for foreign travelers. Since September 11, the United 
States has seen a decline of more than 46 million overseas travelers 
costing our economy $140 billion. This bill will put us back on track.
  H.R. 3232 creates a nonprofit corporation to promote the United 
States to international visitors--this is a public-private partnership 
with no cost to the American taxpayer. With the current level of the 
dollar, the United States is a travel bargain and that message needs to 
get out.
  Nearly every developed nation in the world spends millions of dollars 
to attract visitors, an investment that pays big dividends. Overseas 
visitors stay longer and spend more. The United States is missing out 
on a large share of the global tourism market, and we will continue to 
lose out without this sensible investment.
  Another benefit of this bill is the increased person-to-person 
contact that we will enjoy. At a time when our image abroad is 
tarnished, this is an opportunity to use our communities to serve as 
diplomats to the world. There are no better ambassadors than the 
American people.
  I want to thank Congressman Bill Delahunt and Congressman Roy Blunt 
and for their leadership on this bill,
  Additionally, I would like to thank my co-chair on the Congressional 
Travel & Tourism Caucus, Congressman Jon Porter of Nevada, It has been 
my pleasure to work with him on his legislation and on many other 
travel-related issues. His tireless efforts for the travel community 
and the caucus are truly admirable.

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