U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the full Senate passage of the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill, which includes the Restoring Brand USA Act to provide $250 million in relief funding to the United States’ destination marketing organization: 

“The inclusion of the Restoring Brand USA Act in the fiscal spending bill is a major win for the entire U.S. travel industry, which has suffered more than any other industry throughout the pandemic. As international travel spending remains 78% below pre-pandemic levels, the relief provided by the bill—which utilizes existing funds at no cost to American taxpayers—will help the international travel segment rebound more quickly and restore U.S. jobs.

“Brand USA has historically garnered strong bipartisan support due to its focus on promoting both urban and rural destinations, as well as its strong return on investment, which yields an average of $26 for each $1 spent on marketing activities. We are pleased that Congress has once again recognized the value this program holds for travel businesses and local economies in every pocket of the country.

“U.S. Travel thanks Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy for leading the passage of the omnibus, and Senators Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Peter Welch for their critical leadership on Brand USA.”