Hawaii Lawmakers Push for Extension of Brand USA

Hawaii’s congressional delegation has introduced a bill designed to continue a boost to international tourism.

The Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act would reauthorizeBrand USA for five more years.

Sen. Brian Schatz said the travel promotion program last year increased inbound travel by 2.3 percent, resulting in 1.1 million more visitors to the U.S.

Schatz said Brand USA helps promote Hawaii as a world-class visitor destination.

Schatz and Sen. Mazie Hirono were among the bill’s co-sponsors on the Senate side. In the House, the legislation was introduced by members of the Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus, of which both Hawaii Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa are members.

Read the entire piece at: http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/82616000768/hawaii-lawmakers-push-for-extension-of-brand-usa