I'm not sure if adding a tax on inbound tourists is such a great idea. We have created Federal departments like these in the past only to shut them down. We have been told over and over that our reputation overseas has been tarnished due to politics. Will taxing visitors, along with all the additional security requirements, solve our problems? TB
A bill that will create a tourism promotion organization for the United States has received its final passage in the Senate.
The Travel Promotion Act calls for a nonprofit Corporation for Travel Promotion that will promote the United States as a travel destination and explain travel and security policies to international visitors.
"This is a historic victory for the U.S. economy and one in eight American workers whose jobs depend on travel," Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in a statement.
President Obama is expected to sign the bill, which the Senate passed 78-18 Thursday, in the next 10 days, according to the travel association.
A $10 fee charged to visitors from countries included in the Visa Waiver Program will partially fund the public-private organization. These visitors will pay the fee every two years when they register online using the Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
via www.cnn.com
