Barnes pressed for passage of both bills, which are critical to ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the United States in the global travel market. The Visit America Act would establish an Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism position at the U.S. Department of Commerce, direct the Commerce Secretary to set inbound visitation goals and a national travel and tourism strategy, and direct the Commerce Secretary to facilitate U.S. bids for large international events and trade shows.
While U.S. Travel is also supportive of the Travel and Tourism Act, Barnes advocated for the inclusion of two provisions, already in the Visit America Act, to be included in the Travel and Tourism Act to establish an Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and to direct the Secretary of Commerce to support and facilitate U.S. bids for large international events and trade shows.
Barnes also expressed thanks for enactment of the bipartisan Restoring Brand USA Act. She further urged lawmakers to support the repeal of the pre-departure testing requirement for vaccinated international travelers.
