New US Tourism Bill

From US Travel Association:

The Senate agreed Tuesday to proceed to a tourism bill that is a priority for Majority Leader Harry Reid. The Nevada Democrat pushed the bill (S 1023) to the front of the agenda because of a decline in tourism that started after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks and has since been exacerbated by recession.

The measure would create a private company to advertise the United States as a tourist destination to foreigners. The company would be funded by private contributions matched by up to $100 million a year from the federal government. The bill also would establish assessments, including a $10-per-trip fee on foreign travelers, to help pay for the government's matching funds.

"Other countries around the world spend millions of dollars promoting their countries," Reid said Monday. "The United States spends nothing. We should compete."