ICYMI: America and Florida's Tourism and Travel Industry Flourish Through Brand USA, by Rep. Gus Bilirakis

Tourism and travel employ over one million Floridians. In recent years, tourism to Florida has resulted in more than $70 billion for its economy. According to VISIT Florida, every 85 visitors to our state results in a new job created.

That is why I have introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act, which would extend the activities of Brand USA through 2020.

Brand USA is a public-private partnership that markets the United States as a tourism destination. Brand USA is supported by international visitors and private contributions – not U.S. taxpayers.

To read the op-ed in its entirety, click here.

To view Rep. Bilirakis' statement on the floor of the House of Representatives earlier this week, click here.