Klobuchar has introduced legislation to reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism in Minnesota and across the country: in 2013, Brand USA generated 1.1 million additional international visitors who spent an estimated $32 million, strengthening local businesses and boosting economic growth 

Tourism is Minnesota’s fifth largest industry, generating nearly $12.5 billion sales and providing nearly 11 percent of the state’s total private sector employment 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today convened a meeting with Minnesota business and tourism leaders about the importance of boosting international tourism to the United States. At the meeting, Klobuchar highlighted her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism in Minnesota in across the country. In 2013, Brand USA generated 1.1 million additional international visitors who spent an estimated $32 million, strengthening local businesses and boosting economic growth. Klobuchar was joined by President and CEO at Carlson Trudy Rautio, VP of Business Development at the Mall of America Maureen Bausch, President and CEO of Visit Duluth Anna Tanski, Rochester City Council President Randy Staver, and other tourism and business leaders from across the state.

“Whether it is the Mall of America, Lake Superior, or the Mayo Clinic, there are countless reasons for people around the world to come to Minnesota and Brand USA is a powerful tool in helping to make that happen,” Klobuchar said. “Tourism is critical to the economic prosperity of our state generating nearly $12 billion in sales and boosting local economies and communities all across our state.”

Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to reauthorize Brand USA through 2020. Brand USA is funded by international visitors and private contributions – not U.S. taxpayers. Half of its budget comes from the private sector through cash and in-kind contributions. The rest of the budget – up to a maximum of $100 million – is funded by a nominal fee assessed on visa-free international visitors screened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Tourism is America’s seventh largest private sector industry supporting more than 1.3 million jobs. In Minnesota, tourism is the fifth largest industry generating $12.5 billion in sales and providing nearly 11 percent of the state’s total private sector employment.  The typical international tourist visiting the U.S. spends an average of $4,500. 

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