The Hearing Analyzed National Travel And Tourism Strategy Based On Rosen’s Bipartisan Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion, held a hearing to examine the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy, published by the Department of Commerce to strengthen the global competitiveness of our nation’s travel and tourism industry and based on a provision in Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act.
The Subcommittee heard from two panels of witnesses. The first panel featured Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, Grant Harris. Harris currently oversees the office that manages all Department of Commerce travel and tourism efforts. The second panel featured MGM Resorts International CEO and President William “Bill” Hornbuckle, and Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean. Hornbuckle and Dean are the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. MGM Resorts International is the largest private-sector employer in Nevada and a key player in the industry’s revival in the state in the wake of the pandemic.
“When travelers from global markets visit the United States, particularly Nevada, they are contributing to our economy and our tourism industry. From staying in award-winning resorts, to eating at our amazing restaurants, to exploring the vibrant outdoors, to attending conventions and trade shows, international travel and tourism is a key aspect of our economy that creates good-paying jobs,” said Senator Rosen. “By following the new National Travel and Tourism Strategy, the federal government can continue to support this growth and help travel and tourism businesses in Nevada and the nation fully recover.”
The Department of Commerce developed the first National Travel and Tourism Strategy in 2012 and last updated it in 2019, before the industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Rosen led several of her colleagues in urging the Department to update the strategy again in the wake of the pandemic. The new strategy sets ambitious goals to enhance travel and tourism to the U.S. safely and efficiently and return the industry to pre-pandemic levels and beyond.
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