Number: RL32647
Title: Government Advertisement of Tourism: Recent Action and Longstanding Controversies
Authors: Kevin R. Kosar, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The Department of Commerce has had an office or administration to promote tourism to foreign citizens through advertisements for much of the past four decades. President John F. Kennedy signed P.L. 87-63, the International Travel Act of 1961 (ITA), on June 29, 1961. It required the Secretary of Commerce to "develop, plan, and carry out a comprehensive program designed to stimulate and encourage travel to the United States by residents of foreign countries." Prior to the enactment of ITA, a number of federal agencies promoted tourism through advertisements and other means. These programs, however, were small and often were undertaken without explicit authorization from Congress.
Pages: 15
Date: December 28, 2005