The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation has come to the approval of S.1023, the “Travel Promotion Act of 2009″.

The “Travel Promotion Act of 2009″ is a public-private partnership program with a budget of up to $200 million (annually) that will invest on promoting the U.S. as a traveling destination.

Mr. Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S.Travel Association has commented:”Our nation’s economy is struggling and international travel promotion is part of the solution…This much-needed legislation will help the United States to create thousands of new jobs and welcome billions in new spending by international visitors.”

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce so far in 2009 the international traveling to the U.S. dropped 10% in the first quarter. Hopefully, with the new legislation, there’ll be an increase of travelers in the U.S.

According to the city’s commission, the Big Apple will increase a 2% bed tax increase. This is to help cover the growing expenses of the city and raise more revenue in a time when the municipality is squeezed for cash.

The city commission has already passed the increase meaning that hotel stays in the Big Apple will go up from 5% to 7%.

Mr. Bernie Hayen, City Director, has commented:”They weren’t against it, but they were cautious about whether or not it should be one percent as opposed to two percent.”

Authorities from the Hotel industry in Manhattan have been complaining about this drastic change and they have already expressed their concerns at the city commission meeting.