A resolution that aims to acknowledge tourism’s role in boosting the United States’ economy passed the Senate during National Travel and Tourism Week.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz joined Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Roy Blunt, R-Mo. and Mark Kirk, R-Ill., sent out a press release announced Friday noting that the bipartisan resolution passed the Senate. They senators are co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Tourism Caucus.

The resolution outlines support for National Travel and Tourism Week, which began May 2 and runs until May 10. The nationwide week of events is supposed to highlight travel and tourism professionals, while promoting the impact that the travel industry has on the U.S. economy.

The resolution also commends travel industry employees for their important contributions to the U.S. economy.

One out of every nine jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism, which equates to 15 million jobs across the country, the resolution states.

“Tourism and travel gives us the chance to share Hawaii’s natural beauty and culture with the rest of the world,” said Schatz in a press release Friday. “It’s not only a great way to share Hawaii’s vibrant culture, it’s one of the most important sectors of our local economy.”

Visitors enjoy the view of Waikiki from Diamond Head. One in nine jobs in the U.S. depend on travel and tourism, according to a resolution passed by the U.S. Senate this week.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat