USTA Statement on Senate Travel Promotion Act Cloture Vote
WASHINGTON, DC, June 23, 2009 - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), today issued the following statement on the Senate cloture vote to limit debate on the Travel Promotion Act (S. 1023). The Travel Promotion Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and was recently reintroduced in the House as H.R. 2935, would create a public-private partnership to attract international travelers to the United States. The program is to be funded without the use of taxpayer dollars.
"We are pleased that the Travel Promotion Act has earned extraordinarily strong bipartisan support, including a 90-3 U.S. Senate vote to consider the legislation, and that nearly all senators appear to appreciate the underlying need for the Act. We are disappointed that the legislation did not receive the opportunity for a final vote at this time due to the inability to find consensus on amendments.
We thank Senators Reid, Dorgan, Ensign, Martinez and Commerce Secretary Locke for their tireless efforts in support of travel promotion and encourage Senate leadership to redouble their efforts to find a path forward for this important legislation. Now, more than ever, our nation needs legislation that is certain to create thousands of jobs and restore the American economy.
It is not unusual for legislation to temporarily stall in the U.S. Senate due to procedural hurdles as members seek compromises. We strongly encourage senators to find common ground and pass the Travel Promotion Act as quickly as possible."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
