In recognition of the impact a lagging travel sector has on the overall economy, Congress recently passed, and sent to the President for signature, the Travel Promotion Act. The Act aims to educate travelers on U.S security procedures and requires a $10 fee from visa-waiver travelers to the United States, which will help fund a travel promotion campaign—a first for the U.S.

The Huffington Post examines the economic impact of the travel sector, arguing that “few people understand the role travel plays in the U.S. economy.” It is particularly important, the article says, that the government take such initiatives in the travel industry because “it has…been plagued by widespread misperceptions that visitors are not as welcome in the U.S. as in the past and by the lack of coordinated action to compete in the travel marketplace.”

According to the article, “the average overseas visitor to the U.S. spends in excess of $4,000 when they visit,” making the economic benefits of increased travel obvious. Less obvious, though, are the “ancillary advantages” of increased travel:

According to a 2006 survey by RT Strategies, people who have visited the U.S. are 74 percent more likely to have a favorable opinion of our country. The U.S. government spends millions every year on public diplomacy and outreach efforts, but we're neglecting what may be one of the most persuasive strategies for winning overseas hearts and minds: a visit to the U.S.

Coverage of the TPA in the Los Angeles Times expressed the same sentiments, remarking on the benefits to the economy, tax payer, and tourism industry.