NTA applauded the formation of a bipartisan caucus in the U.S. Senate to reduce barriers to travel and raise awareness of the importance of the travel and tourism industry. The U.S. Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus was launched by U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)

It is the first time in a quarter century that the Senate has formed a caucus focused on travel and tourism, a sector of the national economy that employs 7.4 million Americans and generates more than $700 billion in spending. Klobuchar, Begich and Blunt serve on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. tourism industry.

The news is significant for the travel and tourism sector, according to Lisa Simon, NTA president. “We applaud Senators Klobuchar, Begich, Blunt and Kirk for recognizing that this industry is a major contributor to the national economy. Their leadership on travel-industry issues will pave the way for increased U.S. domestic tourism -- and international tourism to the United States -- resulting in much-needed revenues and jobs throughout the country.”

Simon said she appreciates the senators’ previous leadership in travel and tourism. “These four Senate leaders have previously established themselves as strong advocates of the successful Travel Promotion Act and other pending legislation that will enhance this growing sector of our national economy,” she said. “We at NTA look forward to working with them -- and with all members of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus.” For more information, visit www.ntaonline.com.