What the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 Means

So, travel – on a worldwide scale – has gone up in the past several years. However, travel to the United States specifically has gone down since 2001. This problem has added to the plate of the government, which is battling the biggest recession since the 1920s. Well, the Senate’s trying to do something about it. Although the Travel Promotion Act hasn’t been made into a law yet, hopes are high.

Here’s what the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 means:

•    Its mission is to enlighten foreigners about travel to the US, and the benefits and requirements of doing so.

•    A new non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion (funded by private companies and the government) will be responsible for this mission.

•    US tax payers will not pay for this.

•    Where’s the money coming from? Foreigners! Those who live in countries that don’t require visas for entering the US will pay a $10 fee to do so – and then the private sector will match these fees.

Will the Corporation for Travel Promotion be successful in “boosting the US tourism industry?” That’s the million-dollar question. If it is, that means new jobs, and that’s great news for us all. However, the way the Senate aims to go about this (so far) is full of controversy.

We’re going to charge foreigners to come to the US, because we want them to come to the US?

Time will tell! In the meantime, you can lend a helping hand to America’s travel biz by booking a vacation rental for your next trip. But perhaps the biggest help will be to your own pocketbook, as you’ll save big over a hotel.

We’d love to hear your opinions on this matter – send a tweet to @VRDeals!