Supporting National Tourism Week

SUPPORTING NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK -- (House of Representatives - June 06, 2006)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, people across the Nation and around the world have enjoyed traveling across America to visit our magnificent cities, parks, museums, and our many other national historic and cultural sites. America provides countless opportunities to learn about and to enjoy our Nation's immense variety of attractions.

The travel and tourism industry represents a vital part of the American economy. It is a $1.3 trillion industry in the United States, and $100 billion is generated each year in tax revenues for local, State and Federal governments. And with the total of 7.3 million American jobs related to travel, the travel and tourism industry is one of the country's biggest employers.

National Tourism Week was established by Congress in 1983 and first celebrated in May of 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation that urged citizens to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Held each year from May 13 to May 21, National Tourism Week provides the perfect platform upon which to challenge State tourism boards, city governments and other relevant entities to take a proactive role and to engage in practices that protect and maximize their tourism assets.

As a matter of fact, when I think of tourism, I think of my own congressional district which includes downtown Chicago with many of the skyscrapers, the Sears Tower, the Water Tower Place. King Tut is now on exhibit in our city, and thousands of people are coming each and every day. And so travel and tourism contribute to the cultural and social well-being of the Nation. I support this resolution and urge its passage.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov/