Klobuchar has introduced legislation to reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism in Minnesota and across the country by promoting international travel to the United States 

In 2013, Brand USA generated 1.1 million additional international visitors who spent an estimated $3.4 billion, strengthening local businesses and stimulating economic growth 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today chaired a meeting with businesses and tourism leaders from across the country about the importance of boosting international tourism. Klobuchar has introduced legislation to reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism in Minnesota and across the country by promoting international travel to the United States. In 2013, Brand USA generated 1.1 million additional international visitors who spent an estimated $3.4 billion, strengthening local businesses and stimulating economic growth.

“Tourism is a powerful driver of Minnesota’s economy, generating nearly $12 billion in sales and giving a major boost to local economies and communities all across our state,” Klobuchar said. “Brand USA is a tried-and-true partnership that helps promote international travel to the U.S. while driving economic growth, and I’ll keep pushing to reauthorize it so that we can continue to attract more visitors from all around the world.”

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). Brand USA can only collect up to $100 million from ESTA fees paid by foreign travelers visiting the U.S., and amounts collected in excess of the cap are returned to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce the deficit. The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act has 30 additional cosponsors in the Senate.

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