May 13, 2009

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today testified at a Senate hearing on tourism. Reid discussed the importance of tourism to Nevada and efforts in Congress to boost tourism around the country. “I come to this committee today with a simple message: Nevada is open for business, and we eagerly await your visit,” Reid said.

Today's hearing was held by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation and Export Promotion.

During his testimony, Senator Reid also discussed the Travel Promotion Act, legislation he is co-sponsoring with Senator Dorgan that was re- introduced this week. This bill takes the successful model used to market Las Vegas around the globe as a tourist destination and applies it to the country as a whole. This is the same model used by Rossi Ralenkotter and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Ralenkotter, the President and CEO of the LVCVA, also participated in today’s hearing.

Speaking about Nevada, Reid said, “we are ready to host your business meetings and serve all of your related needs, and we are ready to host your next vacation, whether that be on the Las Vegas Strip, the shores of Lake Tahoe or the trails and crags of the Ruby Mountains of eastern Nevada.”

For Senator Reid's complete remarks from today's tourism hearing, click here.