CREATION OF A SECRETARY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
WHEREAS, the non-profit arts industry generates over $134 billion
in economic activity per year, generates over 4.8 million jobs and $34billion
in federal, state, and local tax revenues per year; and
WHEREAS, the tourism industry has generated more than 57 million jobs, $
4trillion in expenditures, $157 billion in trade surpluses, and over $620
billion in federal, state, and local taxes over the past eight years; and
WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry is our nation’s third largest
employer trailing only the health and business service industries; and
WHEREAS, Mayors and arts and business leaders from around the
country have recognized the significant contribution of the culture and tourism
industry and its direct links to the arts and culture as an economic catalyst;
and
WHEREAS, it is essential that our Nation create a clear and coherent
federal policy for Culture and Tourism; and
WHEREAS, many countries throughout the world have established national
cabinet level positions for arts, culture, and tourism – 66% of the countries
in the Western Hemisphere have a cabinet level Minister of tourism, 58% have a
Minister of Culture and the Arts, and 80% of the countries in Europe have a
minister of Culture; and
WHEREAS, the future economic survival of our country and our cities rests
on the ability to maximize the impact of the tourism, arts, and cultural
industries; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America must have a National Advocate
charged with the task of forming the national policy for culture and tourism,
and solely dedicated to the protection, development, and expansion of their
industries.
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States
Conference of Mayors urges the creation of a Cabinet level Secretary of Culture
and Tourism charged with forming a national policy for tourism, arts, and
culture.
©2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors 