[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 451--RECOGNIZING THE GOALS OF NATIONAL TRAVEL AND 
  TOURISM WEEK AND HONORING THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TRAVEL AND 
                TOURISM TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

  Mr. BEGICH (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Kirk, Mr. 
Akaka, Mr. Graham, Mr. Heller, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Vitter, 
and Mr. Warner) submitted the following resolution; which was 
considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 451

       Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 
     1983 when Congress passed the Joint Resolution entitled 
     ``Joint Resolution to designate the week beginning May 27, 
     1984, as `National Tourism Week' '', approved November 29, 
     1983 (Public Law 98 178; 97 Stat. 1126), which recognized the 
     value of travel and tourism;
       Whereas National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated 
     across the United States from May 5 through 13, 2012;
       Whereas more than 120 travel destinations throughout the 
     United States are holding events in honor of National Travel 
     and Tourism Week;
       Whereas the travel and tourism industry supports more than 
     14,000,000 jobs in the United States;
       Whereas the travel and tourism industry employs individuals 
     in all 50 States and all the territories of the United 
     States;
       Whereas international travel to the United States is the 
     single largest export industry in the country;
       Whereas the travel and tourism industry, Congress, and the 
     executive branch have worked to streamline the visa process 
     and make the United States welcoming to visitors from other 
     countries;
       Whereas travel and tourism provide significant economic 
     benefits to the United States by generating nearly 
     $2,000,000,000,000 in annual economic output;
       Whereas leisure travel allows individuals to experience the 
     rich cultural heritage and educational opportunities of the 
     United States and its communities; and
       Whereas, the immense value of travel and tourism cannot be 
     overstated: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes May 5 through 13, 2012, as National Travel 
     and Tourism Week;
       (2) commends the travel and tourism industry for its 
     important contributions to the United States of America; and
       (3) commends the employees of the travel and tourism 
     industry for their important contributions to the United 
     States of America.

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