Columbia, S. C. - Southern governors on Tuesday showed support for Governor Jim Hodges efforts to promote the nation's tourism industry. During a meeting in Washington, D.C., the governors unanimously passed Hodges resolution to create an international tourism marketing plan for the United States.

"Tourism is one of our nation's most important and profitable industries," Hodges said. "But the United States is one of the only countries without a plan to market the nation as a tourist destination to people around the world. The federal government must create a plan to promote our landmarks and landscapes globally."

Following September 11, states struggled to encourage travel and tourism. The lagging industry cost states millions of dollars and required governors and state leaders to provide immediate assistance.

In South Carolina, Governor Hodges provided financial emergency aid to the industry and urged South Carolinians to travel instate during the month of November. The Governor also agreed to chair the Southern Governors Association's tourism and travel task force in an effort to find regional and national solutions.

"We must work together to ensure a coordinated effort in rebuilding this industry for our states and our country," Hodges said.

Following is a copy of Governor Hodges' resolution.



Whereas, travel and tourism comprise nearly 5 percent of the nation's GDP and provides a $14 billion trade surplus - accounting for $194 billion in expenditures and over 3 million jobs in the South; and,

Whereas, due to the economic downturn and the September 11 terrorist attacks, domestic travel volume is projected to decrease by 3.5 percent in 2002, while international travel to the U.S. is expected to decline by nearly 13 percent; and,

Whereas, a recent survey showed that the South sustained a greater decrease in travel volume, more total bookings cancellations, and fewer new advanced bookings after 9/11 as well as a 3.2 percent decline in hotel occupancy from January through October; and,

Whereas, beyond the challenges related to 9/11 and the current economy, travel and tourism represent not only a major industry in the South, but a major economic opportunity due to shifting social and economic demographics; and,

Whereas, international travelers represent a growing portion of our nation's "services export market," due to their longer vacation stays and spending which is almost three times higher than domestic visitors; and,

Whereas, the United States is the only major country without a federally funded, pro-active international tourism-marketing arm or program - placing it and the southern region at a significant competitive disadvantage in a highly competitive arena; and

Whereas, state tourism development of international markets is dependent upon reliable data to guide strategic marketing decisions and the current "In-Flight Survey" of international travelers has been under-funded yielding insufficient sample sizes for reliable analysis; and,

Whereas, potential airline customers are not only concerned about security, but also extreme inconveniences and uncertainties that now typify most airport experiences; and

Whereas, the federal government should not only work with states to develop a national travel policy, but also address specific, short-term initiatives to bolster tourism; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Southern Governors' Association urges Congress and the Administration to:

• Adopt federal legislation to authorize and fund a cooperative partnership to supplement state and territorial government expenditures for travel and tourism advertising and assist with marketing efforts to regain traveler confidence;
• Support a $500 individual tax credit for personal travel expenditures as a way to provide an incentive to taxpayers to travel;
• Work toward a national tourism policy and provide a sustained, federally funded international advertising and marketing program that encourages travel and tourism to the United States, with private sector support and input;
• Fully fund the "In-Flight Survey" to amass sufficient data on international travelers and continue support and federal funding of a National Travel and Tourism Satellite Account; and,
• Work to ensure travelers' efficient expedition, comfort and convenience while sustaining security.