 Young Hopes To Boost Alaskan Tourism With American Travel Promotion Act After passage of bill, expects to see tourism numbers up in Ketchikan & other popular destinations...
April 09, 2002
"Tourism is an important economic resource for Alaska and I want to do everything I can to encourage tourists to come, especially during our warm summer months. Visitors flock to Alaska because we have such a large share of national parks, wildlife, glaciers and others natural wonders. I want everyone to know that after the September 11th terrorist attacks it is safe to travel by all modes of transportation. I would encourage anyone who has put plans for travel on hold, or who is thinking about travel, to get in a car or on a plane and make the trip," said Rep. Young. "President Bush has asked all Americans to continue spending money to keep our economy strong. Alaska is a great travel destination if you're coming for the first time or making a repeat visit. It is the largest state in the union, two and a half times larger than Texas, and even if you've been to the state before, come again and see a new region. Not only will people see some fascinating sights, they'll feel good about helping our economy. "After this bill passes I expect to see tourism numbers up in our popular destinations. Juneau, Kenai, Seward, Ketchikan, Fairbanks and state as a whole, can use the added tax dollars that will come as a result of higher tourist numbers." Travel and tourism was already experiencing a downturn in 2001, but after September 11th, many states felt the industry come to a standstill. "The American Travel Promotion Act of 2001" would provide funds for states to promote tourism through advertising. The program would be open for nine months. After that all excess funds would return to the Treasury. State and territory travel and tourism offices would have complete autonomy in spending the money as long as it conforms to the specifications laid out in the legislation.
Source of News Release:
|