The U.S. Senate has passed the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (S1023). Introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), this bill could benefit tourism involving the horse industry.

“Equine tourism is a growing and diverse segment of the horse industry,” said American Horse Council President Jay Hickey. “Because it encompasses many parts of the industry including recreation, showing, and racing, its continued growth is beneficial to the entire horse industry. We believe this bill has the potential to increase the number of international visitors to the U.S. who participate in equestrian events and activities, either as participants or spectators.”

The purpose of the bill is to market the United States as a tourist destination to people around the world. It would create a non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion, which would be responsible providing useful information to those interested in traveling to the United States.

Notably, the bill requires the Corporation for Travel Promotion to “identify opportunities and strategies to promote tourism to rural and urban areas equally.” A travel promotion fund requiring non-federal matching funds would also be established