TOURISM BILL WILL CREATE JOBS IN LAS VEGAS, PROMOTE TRAVEL TO U.S.

(October 7, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.)  Emphasizing the importance to the tourism industry in Las Vegas and nationwide, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today spoke from the House floor in favor of The Travel Promotion Act.  Berkley is a cosponsor of the bill which creates a program to promote the United States as a destination for travelers from across the globe.  The legislation passed the House this afternoon and must now be approved by the Senate.    

Berkley Statement in Support of Travel Promotion Act

“I rise today in strong support of the Travel Promotion Act.  In these difficult economic times, this bill is vital for our nation's economy.  

“It is essential for my hometown and Congressional District of Las Vegas, which is the very definition of tourism and travel.  Last year, the United States lost nearly 200,000 jobs.  

“In my district, we have been hit particularly hard with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and a hotel occupancy rate just about as low as we have ever seen it.  

“This will put Americans back to work.  For every dollar we spend on this program, we will bring in $3 of increased revenue from added jobs and economic growth that will be created by increased tourism to our country and this could be accomplished without adding to our national debt.

“Every state in our nation benefits from tourism. Tourism is one of the largest industries in America, whether you have mountains, beaches, amusement parks, ball parks, or gaming, we all benefit from this bill.  

“This is a great piece of legislation.  We need it to help energize our economy at a time when we need it most.  I urge support for this bill.” 

# # #