The Tourism Development Act of 1981 is the most important law with respect to tourism planning and development in the United States. This law established the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA), which is the federal agency responsible for promoting tourism to the United States. The USTTA works with state and local governments, as well as the private sector, to develop and implement tourism plans and strategies.
The Tourism Development Act also created the Tourism Policy Council, which is a group of government officials and industry representatives that advises the USTTA on tourism policy matters. The council also coordinates federal tourism activities with those of state and local governments and the private sector.
The Tourism Development Act has been amended several times since its enactment, most recently in 2010. These amendments have broadened the USTTA's mission to include promoting travel by U.S. citizens to other countries, as well as promoting tourism to the United States.
The Tourism Development Act is an important law because it provides a framework for federal, state, and local governments to work together to develop and implement tourism plans and strategies. The law also establishes the USTTA as the lead federal agency for tourism promotion. The USTTA plays a vital role in promoting tourism to the United States and generating revenue for the U.S. economy.
