Visit Macon CEO Testifies Before Congress | Great American State Fair | Interior Releases Interagency Recreation Visitation Data Report | Travel & Tourism Summer Talking Points

Tomorrow, July 1, the House Natural Resources Committee is holding a legislative hearing on seven bills, including the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act, H.R. 9416, which is sponsored by Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA). H.R. 9416 redesignates the existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park. Recognizing the area’s unique tribal history and culture, the bill encourages NPS to increase employment opportunities for tribal members within the park and authorizes cooperative agreements with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and other culturally affiliated tribes to assist in managing the park’s natural and cultural resources. This bill also authorizes approximately 133 acres to be held in trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, while expressly prohibiting gaming. Text of the legislation can be read here.

Gary Wheat, President & CEO of Visit Macon, will be testifying in support of the legislation. The hearing starts at 10 a.m. ET and will be live-streamed. You can watch it here.

The Great American State Fair may have gotten off to a rocky start but many of the state tourism displays are getting rave reviews. In this overview of the Great American State Fair, the New York Times praises Mississippi’s elaborate display and quotes Rochelle Hicks, Mississippi’s tourism director. Other states were highlighted, including Tennessee, which was praised for showcasing their complex state history.

Last week, the Department of the Interior quietly released the Interagency Recreation Visitation Data Report, the first unified compilation of recreation visitation estimates across all federal land and water management agencies, as directed by the EXPLORE Act. The landmark report provides a comprehensive, standardized view of how millions of people experience outdoor recreation across hundreds of millions of acres of federally managed public lands and waters.

Outdoor recreation continues to be a key segment of the tourism sector, and supports $1.2 trillion in economic output, 5 million jobs, and 2.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product each year. Activities such as hiking, camping, boating, wildlife viewing and nature study deliver health, cultural, and community benefits while strengthening small businesses and rural and gateway communities. Increased participation in nature-based recreation underscores the public’s growing demand for access to America’s natural spaces.

The report can be accessed here.

Today once the House finished voting, it will recess until July 13. The Senate adjourned last week. When they return, they will have two weeks in session before adjourning for the August recess, which will start on July 24. As it is an election year, Members of Congress will be out and about in the community, which is a good time to talk with them about the issues that matter to tourism. Post below are the Travel & Tourism Summer Talking Points to help you make the most of any encounters with your congressional delegation.

Good Reads

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate reports Visitors spend nearly $1 billion as tourism surges. Local officials cite sports tourism as a top driver as it is not economy-dependent.

The Inter-Mountain reports the centerpiece of West Virginia’s American 250 celebration is the America250 Wheel, the worlds tallest portable Ferris Wheel.

KJZZ reports After 14 years, Canadian consulate office reopens in Arizona. I am taking this as a hopeful sign.