Welch Leads Effort to Boost Tourism

Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Continue Successful US Tourism Promotion Program

Rep. Peter Welch is leading a bipartisan effort in the House to reauthorize Brand USA, a voluntary public-private partnership that promotes global tourism to the United States. Today, Rep. Welch and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 201 (H.R.4450),which extends the Brand USA program for five years. According to the Vermont Department of Tourism, tourism contributed $1.7 billion of economic activity in Vermont in 2013, with almost 14 million visitors.  

“Brand USA is making a tremendous contribution to US tourism,” said Welch. “This program works with the private sector to attract visitors to Vermont and attractions across the country. It’s a no-brainer to continue this partnership that is clearly having a positive economic impact.”

“Having just returned from IPW in Chicago which is the largest international trade show in the US, it is clear that BrandUSA is leading us to much success in the marketplace,” said Megan Smith, Vermont’s Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing. “Vermont had a team of 12 people in our booth and had the best set of appointments we have ever experienced from both media and tour operators.  The interest in Vermont is from all over the world.”

"Brand USA has been a crucial partner in our efforts to attract international visitors to Vermont's ski areas," said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. "The reauthorization of this program is a key ingredient to boosting Vermont's critically important tourism economy and we are extremely grateful to Congressman Welch for leading this bipartisan effort."

A recent study by Oxford Economics, estimates that Brand USA attracted 1.1 million additional visitors to the US in 2013, who spent $3.4 billion.  It’s estimated that each overseas visitor to the United States spends an average of $4,300 on their trip.  Brand USA attracts visitors through a global marketing campaign that promotes the United States as a premier travel destination. The program does not cost the taxpayer as it is funded through private sector investment and matching funds collected from international visitors through the Visa Waiver Program.

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