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There were 48 million more global overseas travelers in 2008 than in 2000, yet 633,000 fewer visited the United States. That makes the seventh consecutive year where visits to the U.S. to remained below pre-9/11 levels.

Recently, a new legislation was introduced to combat this and put America back in step with other countries around the world. The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 is intended to stimulate U.S. economic growth, create thousands of new American jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for communities across the country.

“This is the jobs and growth package America needs,” stated Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Travel promotion is common-sense legislation that places America on par with its competitors around the world without taking a dollar from U.S. taxpayers.”

The legislation calls for an overseas travel promotion program that is projected to bring in millions of new visitors, $4 billion in new economic stimulus, and $320 million in new federal tax revenue. The bill will not cost the American taxpayer anything, but will be funded by a $10 fee paid by overseas visitors (from countries that do not pay for a $131 visa to enter the U.S.) and matching contributions from the U.S. private sector. In addition, the act will strategically promote the U.S. as a premier international travel destination and communicate security and entry policies. The legislation is considered essential for the U.S. to keep up with the competition from other countries that are spending millions to attract overseas visitors.

The Travel Promotion Act is currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate and soon will be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Similar legislation passed the House of Representatives in 2008, but did not receive a vote before the Senate adjourned.

To get involved, call or write your local legislator and get them to fight for this. For more information, click here.