Blunt’s bill aims to provide $2.25B in pandemic relief to tourism, travel industry

Over $2 billion in federal economic support would be provided during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for organizations that promote and host tourism, travel and other special events under bipartisan legislation proposed by U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).

“As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, I will continue advocating for policies to ensure our travel destinations and convention centers make it through this crisis and are ready to welcome visitors back as quickly and safely as possible,” Sen. Blunt said on Feb. 12.

The Sustaining Tourism Enterprises During the COVID–19 Pandemic (STEP) Act, S. 307, which Sen. Blunt cosponsored on Feb. 8 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), would authorize $2.25 billion in funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to provide grants for tourism and event entities impacted by the pandemic and would authorize a permanent change to EDA eligible expenses to include “travel promotion” spending, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Blunt’s office.

EDA grants would be available to any entity that performs tourism promotion operations to help cover tourism marketing to assist with economic recovery; costs associated with providing information to visitors regarding health and safety protections; cleaning and sanitary costs; and salaries and expenses, excluding industry executives, the summary says.

“The travel and tourism industry — a critical part of our state’s economy — has been devastated by the pandemic,” said Sen. Blunt. “The STEP Act utilizes an existing program to direct much-needed support to tourism-related businesses as our economy works its way back to full speed.”