As a Co-Chair of the House Travel and Tourism Caucus I have worked to support the tourism industry on the Central Coast and across the nation. This year, I introduced the Travel Regional Investment Partnership (TRIP) Act, legislation to strengthen the tourism industry and job creation through the promotion of regional domestic destinations.

The TRIP Act would promote domestic tourism by partnering public and private dollars through a competitive matching grant program within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Tourism is one of our nation's top five industries and supports more than seven million domestic jobs nationwide. The tourism industry also represents 2.8% of the country's gross domestic product, and generates $118 billion in tax revenues each year for federal, state and local governments.

The Central Coast is home to some of the most pristine and exciting tourist destinations in the world, with the potential of bringing jobs and dollars into our communities. This legislation offers local groups the opportunity to combine efforts and maximize resource to promote the diverse and unique destination offered by the region.

The TRIP Act will support the tourism industry by giving local destination's marketing organizations—such as convention and visitors' bureaus—the opportunity to partner with other regional tourism entities—such as parks or resorts—to put together a proposal for a matching grant. In turn, the grants will allow for regional promotion of tourist destinations across the country.

I'm also happy to report that the legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska).


- return to E-newsletter -