Rep. Bilirakis Joins Rep. Farr as Travel and Tourism Caucus Co-Chair

"The tourism and travel industry is Florida's chief economic driver," said Bilirakis. "As our economy looks to rebound, the travel and tourism sectors provide a great opportunity for American growth and prosperity, and I look forward to working with my good friend, Congressman Farr, to help promote tourism both at home and abroad."

Bilirakis previously served as an active member of the caucus. He represents the fast-growing Tampa Bay region of Florida's Gulf Coast. The tourism and travel industry employs nearly one million Floridians and generates nearly $71.8 billion in revenue for the state.

"Folks living on the Monterey Bay and in the Tampa Bay area know how important tourism is to our local economies," said Farr. "I look forward to working with Congressman Bilirakis, my good friend and the new co-chair or our caucus, to help other members of Congress understand the benefits of a strong travel and tourism industry in their communities."

Farr has served as co-chair of the caucus since 1997. His district on California's Central Coast encompasses the Monterey Bay region, where the travel industry contributes over $2 billion to the local economy annually.

This Congress, the caucus has been working to highlight Brand USA's efforts to bring visitors to the United States. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that promotes the entire United States as a travel destination to international travelers. Brand USA was formed after the Travel Promotion Act was signed into law in 2010.

Founded in 1979, the caucus, which has almost 100 members in the 113th Congress, works to develop and support legislation that promotes the nation's travel and tourism industry, as well as fosters communication between lawmakers and travel leaders.

In its latest figures, the U.S. Travel Association estimated that the travel industry generates $2.3 billion in spending every day and directly employs over 7.7 million people. Travel and tourism is vital to the economies of all 50 states and ranks in the top 10 industries in 48 states plus the District of Columbia.