[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5378-S5379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 147--TO DESIGNATE THE WEEK BEGINNING ON THE SECOND 
          SATURDAY IN MAY AS NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Martinez) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 147

       Whereas business and leisure travel are vital to the United 
     States, enhancing our economic prosperity, healthcare, 
     education, cultural understanding, and public diplomacy;
       Whereas the travel industry is the fifth largest employer 
     in the United States, supporting 7.7 million American workers 
     and creating one of every eight non-farm jobs across the 
     country;
       Whereas domestic and international travel last year 
     generated an estimated $740 billion in direct expenditures 
     and $115 billion in Federal, State and local tax revenues;
       Whereas international travel to the United States is a 
     critical tool for enhancing America's image abroad and has 
     significantly benefited the nation's balance of trade for 
     over 20 years;
       Whereas overseas visits to the United States are still 
     633,000 below pre-September 11 levels;
       Whereas the U.S. must keep better pace with the expanding 
     global travel market starting with a nationally-coordinated 
     travel promotion program to attract millions of new 
     international visitors;

[[Page S5379]]

       Whereas meetings, events, and incentive travel programs are 
     core business functions that help companies to strengthen 
     business relationships, align and educate employees and 
     customers, and reward business performance;
       Whereas travel and tourism can serve as a catalyst to help 
     stimulate the national economy;
       Whereas the Congress designated the first National Tourism 
     Week in 1984 and encouraged celebrations in all 50 States and 
     the Territories; and
       Whereas National Tourism Week has been observed and 
     celebrated each May since: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Senate That--
       (1) the week beginning on the second Saturday in May of 
     each year will be designated as National Travel and Tourism 
     Week;
       (2) Governors, mayors, and other elected officials from 
     across the country are invited on such week to issue 
     proclamations to raise awareness of the value of travel to 
     the welfare of the nation; and
       (3) the President is requested each year to issue a 
     proclamation encouraging the people of the United States to 
     observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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