The US Senate has passed a 'Travel Promotion Act', legislation designed to create a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to better explain U.S. security policies.

Once passed by the House of Representatives and enacted into law, it is estimated that the programme will create 40,000 US jobs, generate US$4bn (£2.4bn, 2.7bn euro) in new consumer spending and reduce the federal budget deficit by US$425m (£258.5m, 290.8m euro). Overseas visitors spend an average of US$4,500 (£2,738, 3,080 euro) per person, per trip in the United States. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association said: "By getting in the global game, America will create tens of thousands of new jobs and strengthen its image in the world as visitors leave with an improved perception of our country and her people."

The 'Travel Promotion Act' is modelled after successful state-level programmes and funded through a matching programme featuring up to US$100m (£60.8m, 68.4m euro) in private sector contributions and a US$10 (£6.84, 6.08 euro) fee on foreign travellers who do not pay US$131 (£79.71, 89.66 euro) for a visa to enter the United States.