Ayotte Backs Bill to Promote International Travel to U.S.

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) has helped introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing international tourism to the United States. The Travel Promotion, Enhancement and Modernization Act would reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership created to market international travel to the United States, through 2020.

In Fiscal Year 2013, Brand USA generated more than one million additional international visitors to the U.S. who spent $3.4 billion, boosting economic growth and supporting jobs in communities across the country.

"International travel and tourism are an economic engine for New Hampshire, and reauthorizing the Brand USA program - which does not use taxpayer dollars - will allow for the continuation of successful marketing efforts to attract international visitors to our state," said Senator Ayotte, who serves on the Senate Commerce Committee. "I'm also pleased that any revenue collected through Brand USA in excess of $100 million goes toward reducing our nation's deficit."

The Brand USA partnership is funded by international visitors and contributions - not U.S. taxpayers. Half of its budget comes from the private sector through cash and in-kind contributions and the rest of the budget - up to a maximum of $100 million - is funded by a fee assessed on visa-free international visitors screened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

The legislation is supported by the New Hampshire Travel Council, the NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development, the Lakes Region Tourism Association, the Monadnock Travel Council, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, NH Lodging and Restaurant and Discover New England.

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