STUDY AND REPORT ON EFFECTS OF COVID–19 PANDEMIC ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY IN UNITED STATES.

SEC. 611. STUDY AND REPORT ON EFFECTS OF COVID–19 PANDEMIC ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY IN UNITED STATES.(a) Definitions.—In this section:(1) Pandemic period.—The term “pandemic period” has the meaning given the term “emergency period” in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–5(g)(1)(B)), excluding any portion of such period after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce. (3) Travel and tourism industry.—The term “travel and tourism industry” means the travel and tourism industry in the United States. (b) Interim Study and Report.—(1) In general.—Not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, after consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, shall—(A) complete an interim study, which shall be based on data available at the time the study is conducted and provide a framework for the study required under subsection (c), regarding the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry, including various segments of the travel and tourism industry, such as domestic, international, leisure, business, conventions, meetings, and events; and136 STAT. 5571 (B) submit a report containing the results of such interim study to—(i) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (ii) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Availability.—The Secretary shall make the report described in paragraph (1) publicly available on the website of the Department of Commerce. (c) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the head of any other Federal agency the Secretary considers appropriate, shall complete a study on the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry, including various segments of the travel and tourism industry, such as domestic, international, leisure, business, conventions, meetings, and events. (d) Matters for Consideration.—In conducting the interim study required under subsection (b) and the study required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall consider—(1) changes in employment rates in the travel and tourism industry during the pandemic period; (2) changes in revenues of businesses in the travel and tourism industry during the pandemic period; (3) changes in employment and sales in industries related to the travel and tourism industry, and changes in contributions of the travel and tourism industry to such related industries, during the pandemic period; (4) the effects attributable to the changes described in paragraphs (1) through (3) in the travel and tourism industry and such related industries on the overall economy of the United States, including—(A) an analysis of regional economies (on a per capita basis) during the pandemic period; and (B) the projected effects of such changes on the regional and overall economy of the United States following the pandemic period; (5) the effects attributable to the changes described in paragraphs (1) through (3) in the travel and tourism industry and such related industries on minority communities, including Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives; (6) reports on the economic impact of COVID–19 issued by other Federal agencies; (7) the costs and health benefits associated with COVID–19 requirements for air travel for entry into or exit from the United States and any consequent disincentives for tourism; (8) any Federal barriers related to the response to the COVID–19 pandemic that are disincentivizing international tourism in the United States, including the source and policy rationale for these barriers; and (9) any additional matters that the Secretary considers appropriate. (e) Consultation and Public Comment.—In conducting the study required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall—(1) consult with representatives of—(A) the small business sector; (B) the restaurant or food service sector;136 STAT. 5572 (C) the hotel and alternative accommodations sector; (D) the attractions or recreation sector; (E) the outdoor recreation sector; (F) the travel distribution services sector; (G) destination marketing organizations; (H) State tourism offices; (I) the passenger air, railroad, bus, and rental car sectors; and (J) labor representatives for—(i) the sectors referred to in subparagraph (I); and (ii) security screening personnel designated by the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration; and (2) provide an opportunity for public comment and advice relevant to conducting such study. (f) Report to Congress.—(1) In general.—Not later than 6 months after the completion of the study required under subsection (c), the Secretary, in consultation with the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the Tourism Policy Council, shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that contains—(A) the results of such study; (B) policy recommendations for—(i) promoting and assisting the travel and tourism industry generally; and (ii) promoting and assisting travel and tourism to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities, by fully implementing the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (Public Law 114–221); and (C) a description of the actions that should be taken by the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of travel and tourism policies and programs authorized by law. (2) Availability.—The Secretary shall make the report described in paragraph (1) publicly available on the website of the Department of Commerce.