WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02), Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27) recently introduced the Travel and Tourism Act (H.R. 7820). This bill would require the Secretary of Commerce to identify the resources, regulatory changes, and private sector engagement needed to achieve annual tourism goals.

“Florida relies on tourism. In 2020, we saw tourism take a nosedive as COVID-19 spread nationwide. Now, skyrocketing gas prices and burdensome inflation threaten the industry. My district and my state cannot afford this decline,” said Congressman Dunn. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s tourism industry successfully responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and should serve as a blueprint for disaster readiness. I’m proud to introduce the Travel and Tourism Act with two of my colleagues from the Florida Delegation, who recognize the need for solutions that protect the tourism and travel industry.”

The Travel and Tourism Act requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a travel and tourism recovery strategy for pandemics and other disasters. In addition, this bill would authorize the creation of an advisory board under the Department of Commerce composed of leaders in the travel and tourism industry.

Congressman Dunn spoke about the bill this week during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce hearing. You can watch a clip here.