BOOSTING CULTURAL TOURISM

WHEREAS, there were 62 million international visitors to the United States in 2011 who spent a record $153 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services according to the U.S Department of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, U.S. cultural destinations help grow the U.S. economy by attracting foreign visitor spending; and

WHEREAS, Cultural travelers to the United States out-stay (5.2 nights vs. 4.1 nights) and out-spend ($631 vs. $457) other types of international tourists; and 

WHEREAS, Marketing of cultural destinations and events accounts for the largest portion of all marketing expenditures (26 percent) by national tourism organizations; and

WHEREAS, Two-thirds (65 percent) of American adult travelers say they included a cultural, arts, heritage, or historic activity or event while on one-way trip of 50 miles or more in the past year.  This equates to 92.7 million cultural travelers; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board recognized earlier this year that the power of the “uniquely American” and “authentic” strength of the cultural arts; and

WHEREAS, mayors and their local arts agencies function as the foundation of the efforts in the communities they represent to boosting cultural tourism; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Strategy as developed by the Task Force on Travel and Competiveness led by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges the implementation of the recommendations contained in the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Strategy, including:

• the recommendation for the Federal Government to partner, and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments and to attract and serve additional visitors;

• to create a national travel and tourism office at the  U.S. Department of Commerce;

• to hold summits on travel and tourism to foster communication between Federal agencies and tourism leaders.