5.1 Preamble

Tourism is a powerful economic force in the United States that produces jobs, generates tax revenues to support essential services in states and communities across the country, and enhances our public diplomacy efforts by inviting millions of visitors to experience the United States and meet its people. Governors support efforts, including strong public-private partnerships, to promote travel to and within the United States and reduce barriers to legitimate business and leisure travel (both domestic and international) in order to help ensure economic security for the states and our nation.

5.2 Economic Effects from Travel and Tourism

Travel and tourism, in particular domestic business travel, is a catalyst for economic activity subject to the dynamics of the economy. During economic downturns, falling consumer confidence can lead to actions that stifle economic growth and opportunity. Governors believe that travel and tourism can be a stabilizing tool for local economies and serve as a vital part of fueling economic growth. Governors, therefore, support efforts to promote and encourage travel and tourism by citizens and business, where appropriate, as a means to help stimulate the economy.

5.3 Federal Government Responsibilities

Governors recognize that, in a number of areas, the federal government bears primary responsibility for functions that can ensure benefits for state, territorial, and national economies and international visitors.

5.3.1 Federally Declared Disasters. Governors recommend that federal economic development and disaster recovery programs include tourism among the activities eligible for support.

5.3.2 International Travel. Governors recommend that the federal government utilize technology, where affordable and practical, to speed the passage of international travelers through U.S. ports of entry. Governors also recommend that greater federal resources be devoted to the visa screening process to reduce visa interview delays.

A key objective of U.S. efforts must be to significantly reduce delays at ports of entry in order to facilitate and promote international travel to the United States. Federal agencies, most importantly the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, should implement policies and practices and employ additional personnel in order to screen arriving international travelers in an efficient and welcoming manner, consistent with national security and immigration considerations.

5.3.3  Visa Waiver Program. Governors support strengthening and expanding access to and the use of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP serves as a cornerstone for encouraging international business and tourism travel to the United States and generates an economic benefit for all states and territories.

5.3.4 International Visitor Data. The Survey of International Air Travelers of overseas visitors provides a source of essential data on visitors’ activities. However, because of limited federal government funding, the sample size of the Survey of International Air Travelers has been inadequate, diminishing the usefulness of the report for states that use the data to target their oversees marketing dollars. Governors urge Congress and the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide adequate funding for the Survey of International Air Travelers.

5.3.5 Federal Water Projects.

5.3.5.1 Generally. The nation’s lakes, rivers, streams, and coasts should be protected as they are attractive tourist destinations and create much economic activity. In those circumstances when federal involvement with the construction, maintenance, or repair of projects affecting these recreational resources is inconsistent or delayed, states incur increased costs and lost tourism and economic development opportunities. Governors therefore call on the federal government to ensure the expedited completion of such projects.

5.3.5.2  Cost-Benefit Analysis. The federal government should consider all economic benefits, including tourism and recreation, derived from federal water projects when conducting a cost-benefit analysis of a project.

Related Policy:

EDC-17, Governors’ Principles on International Trade and Investment

Time limited (effective Annual Meeting 2009–Annual Meeting 2011).
Adopted Annual Meeting 1989; reaffirmed Annual Meeting 1993 (formerly Policy H-9); revised Annual Meeting 1995, Annual Meeting 1997, Winter Meeting 1998, Annual Meeting 1999, Annual Meeting 2001, Annual Meeting 2003, Annual Meeting 2005, Annual Meeting 2007, and Annual Meeting 2009.