October 20, 2003

Led by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Travel and Tourism Task Force, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) and the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (IACVB) joined together in October 2002 to formulate a ten-point action plan to boost travel and tourism, nationally and internationally, and address the importance this industry has on U.S. metropolitan economies.

A number of the Task Force's 2002 Action items have been achieved and are outlined in the following document. Below is the revised Ten-Point Action Plan for 2003-2004, as adopted by the mayors at its Fall Leadership Meeting in Miami.

1. Advocate the Establishment of a Presidential Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism: Call on the Bush Administration to create this Council of industry leaders, federal and local government officials and non-profit organizations, to advise the President on national tourism policy and ensure that travel and tourism receives a more sustained and vigorous focus at the federal level.

2. Urge Congress to Pass Legislation Authorizing Long-term Funding for an International Destination Marketing Campaign: The Conference of Mayors has worked with TBR, IACVB and other travel and tourism industry leaders to develop draft legislation that would provide a long-term authorization for the international destination marketing campaign that is currently being developed by the Commerce Department and the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board. Mayors will continue to work with the industry to urge congressional passage of this vital legislation.

3. Work with Congress, the Administration, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security on Visa Policy Changes and Reforms: The Administration and Congress must pledge that federal efforts to ensure that terrorists do not cross our borders are not so burdensome as to deter legitimate international travelers from visiting. Mayors will work with the industry to encourage the federal government to develop visa policy in a manner that does not project an international image of "fortress America."

4. Urge Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to Ensure that Cities Receive Sufficient Funding for First Responders: A recent U.S. Conference of Mayors study found that 90 percent of cities have not yet received critically needed funding to ensure that their first responders are prepared to fight terrorism in their communities. Cities urgently need the capabilities to protect their own citizens as well as those who wish to visit for business or pleasure. Mayors are calling on Congress and the Administration to make certain that states distribute first responder funds in a timely manner, as is required by law.

5. Urge Congress to Increase and Restore the Tax Incentives that Spur Business Travel: Congress must increase the business meal and entertainment tax deduction and restore the spousal tax deduction to provide immediate incentives for businesses to authorize their personnel to travel.

6. Urge Congress to Make Permanent the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit and to Expand Education and Training Opportunities: Congress must ensure that travel and tourism businesses continue to have access to these types of tax credits, which are powerful tools to helping unskilled and disadvantaged workers receive job training and secure meaningful employment in travel and tourism. Mayors will partner with the travel and tourism industry to urge Congress and the Administration to expand educational initiatives focused on preparing the next generation for working in the industry.

7. Work with the Airline Industry on Travel Issues: As the debate about airline issues continues to evolve in Washington, the mayors and their business partners will work closely with the US airline industry, the Congress, and the Administration to maximize the competitiveness, accessibility, safety and affordability of air travel for both domestic and international travelers.

8. Congress and the Administration Should Invest in Amtrak: Mayors will continue to urge Congress and the Administration to make the critical investments in Amtrak to ensure the continued viability of our national intercity passenger rail system. Mayors further urge federal officials to reject efforts to break up and privatize Amtrak intercity passenger rail operations.

9. Engage Representatives, Senators, Administration, and Business on Travel and Tourism Policies: Mayors will engage with their Representatives, Senators, and the White House on travel and tourism policies. Mayors will meet with their Members of Congress, Senators, and Administration officials and business representatives to encourage them to adopt federal policies that stimulate tourism growth.

10. Encourage Media Stories on Travel and Tourism: The Conference of Mayors, TBR, and IACVB will work with news organizations and communication companies such as the Travel Channel, CNN, and others to promote and place stories that encourage travel to American cities.