COMMERCE SECRETARY TO ANNOUNCE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FOR BUSH ADMINISTRATION’S PROMOTIONAL TOURISM EFFORTS
Secretary Makes Announcement at First Travel and Tourism Board Meeting on Ellis Island

Commerce Secretary Don Evans will hold the first United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board meeting on Monday, Sept. 8, 2003 in New York. At the meeting, Evans and the 15-member board will announce the countries the board will target with its promotional campaign to increase international tourism to the U.S.

“The travel and tourism industry greatly suffered an economic impact from the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” Evans said. "Seventeen million Americans rely on travel and tourism and tourism plays a vital role in our economy. On the second anniversary of 9/11 we want to send a global message that America is a safe place to visit. President Bush and I know that more visitors to the U.S. put money in the pockets of American workers.”

WHO:	Commerce Secretary Don Evans
	Members of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board
WHAT:	This is the first U.S. Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board meeting. Secretary Evans will also announce the markets in which the promotional campaign will be targeted.
WHERE:	Ellis Island New York, New York
WHEN:	Monday, September 8, 2003 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
	NOTE: A dedicated boat for reporters at the Circle Line’s Statue of Liberty Ferry at Battery Park will depart for Ellis Island at 10:00 a.m.

Background:
In an effort to increase the number of international visitors to the United States, President Bush approved a $50 million appropriation to create an international travel and tourism marketing and promotional campaign. As part of that, Secretary Evans announced the U.S. Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board on
Aug. 1, 2003. The advisory board will advise the Secretary as he develops and creates a campaign designed to encourage international visitors to return to the United States. This campaign will also focus on top markets that have historically sent travelers to the United States. Market and evaluation research, consumer and trade advertising, and promotional efforts focused on earned and unearned media will also be included. There also will be a matching grants program to support regional promotion efforts.