Rosen, Scott Announce Inaugural Hearing for the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s newly formed Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion, and Ranking Member Rick Scott (R-FL) released the following statement announcing that the Subcommittee will hold its first hearing on the state of travel and tourism during COVID-19.

“In my state of Nevada, travel and tourism-related industries are drivers of job creation and economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in Nevada and across our nation,” said Senator Rosen. “Ranking Member Scott and I are proud to use this Subcommittee’s inaugural hearing as an opportunity to shine a light on the issues that are impacting these industries, as well as discuss solutions for supporting and revitalizing America’s travel and tourism industries moving forward.

“I’m honored to join Chair Rosen to lead the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion and discuss how to safely and fully bring back the tourism industry after the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Senator Scott. “During my time as Governor of Florida, the Sunshine State welcomed hundreds of millions of visitors, shattering tourism records. Tourism supports our communities and small businesses, fuels job growth, and is critical to the economic success of our states and nation. I will never stop fighting to support our tourism industry in Florida and across the United States, and look forward to hearing from industry leaders on how we can support their success.”

BACKGROUND: Witnesses for the hearing include:

  • Mr. Steve Hill, CEO and President, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)
  • Mr. Jorge Perez, Regional Portfolio President, MGM Resorts International 
  • Ms. Carol Dover, CEO and President, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
  • Ms. Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association

Last month, Senator Rosen was named Chair, and Senator Scott was named Ranking Member of the newly established Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export promotion. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) National Travel and Tourism Office, Brand USA, live entertainment, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and other tourism, trade, and export-related matters within the Department of Commerce.

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