WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led a hearing of the Commerce Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion to examine the implementation of her bipartisan Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, as well as other travel and tourism-related legislation enacted in the last Congress to strengthen the travel and tourism industry. The hearing also examined the implementation of the Senator’s bipartisan TOURISM Act, which was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and requires a National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan that has yet to be published. Witnesses – including the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism Brian Beall, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs Annie Petsonk, and President and CEO of Brand USA Christopher Thompson – discussed the Administration’s progress in implementing these laws that are critical for the travel and tourism industry.
“My state is a world-class destination that relies heavily on tourism, and as we know, this industry was devastated by the pandemic,” said Senator Rosen. “Since then, and thanks to our efforts, our tourism industry began to bounce back last year to near pre-pandemic levels.”
“Nevada is also becoming the global center of sports. We’re hosting the Super Bowl next year. We are the proud home of WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces. And tonight, our Golden Knights have the chance to bring home the Stanley Cup. This November will also see Nevada host the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is projected to be the largest international sporting event to ever take place in our state,” Rosen continued. “As such, it is my responsibility in this subcommittee to ensure the bipartisan tourism and travel legislation we passed last Congress is being implemented and supporting workers and the industry as we intended.”
Senator Rosen continues to be a champion for Nevada’s travel and tourism industry. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen led multiple pushes to help secure federal funding for the Brightline West high-speed rail project that would connect Las Vegas to Southern California, and is predicted to bolster tourism in the area. Senator Rosen also joined a group of bipartisan colleagues earlier this year to call on the Biden Administration to address the ongoing delays in visitor visa processing for international travelers to the United States.
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