WASHINGTON DC – Congressman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus Sam Farr (D-Carmel), Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and their colleagues today introduced the Travel Regional Investment Partnership (TRIP) Act, H.R. 3484, legislation to strengthen the tourism industry and create jobs in communities across the country.
The TRIP Act will promote domestic tourism by partnering public and private dollars through a competitive matching grant program within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources,” said Congressman Farr. “The US boasts some of the most pristine and exciting tourist destinations in the world, with the potential of bringing jobs and dollars into our communities. And at a time of fiscal belt tightening, the TRIP Act brings together private and public dollars for smart investments.”<
“Last year, tourism brought nearly $11.4 billion to Hawaii. Having just hosted the APEC conference, we also know first-hand the power of public-private partnerships advocating for Hawaii as a destination,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “This legislation will help strengthen our tourism industry during these challenging economic times.”
Tourism is one of our nation’s top five industries and supports more than seven million domestic jobs nationwide. The tourism industry also represents 2.8% of the country’s gross domestic product, and generates $118 billion in tax revenues each year for federal, state and local governments.
The TRIP Act will support the tourism industry by giving local destination marketing organizations such as convention and visitors’ bureaus the opportunity to partner with other regional tourism entities such as parks or resorts to put together a proposal for a matching grant. In turn, the grants will allow for regional promotion of tourist destinations across the country.
The legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska).
Submitted by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono’s office