President Obama signed legislation into law Thursday, March 04, 2010 to create the United States’ first national travel promotion program. The bipartisan bill received final passage in the Senate last week, and will create a nonprofit Corporation for Travel Promotion that will promote the United States as a travel destination and will explain travel and security policies to international visitors.
The organization will be partly funded by a $10 fee charged to visitors from countries included in the Visa Waiver Program, which will be collected through the Department for Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The rest of the funding will come through a matching program in private sector contributions.
The next step calls for creation of an 11-member board representing the tourism industry from around the country.
“By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator, and diplomatic tool,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Helen Spohrer, Realtor with Prudential Shimmering Sands Realty on St. George Island, and Chairperson of the Franklin County Tourism Development Council, said “This is certain to be a boost for Florida’s economy. Combined with the benefit of the new Panama City airport, this Act could also translate to increased tourism on the Forgotten Coast.”
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