After a final Senate vote yesterday, the Travel Promotion Act (HR 1299) moves to the White House for President Obama’s signature. The act would authorize $10 million in seed money in FY 2010 — and in the future match as much as $100 million a year in corporate contributions — for a nonprofit entity designed to promote the United States as a destination for foreign tourists.

As also mandated by this act (and to help fund the nonprofit entity), a $10 fee will be imposed on travelers to the United States from visa waiver countries, a requirement that has been criticized by the European Parliament.