Volume 75 · 130
Public Law 87–63
To strengthen the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States by providing for the establishment of a United States Travel Service within the Department of Commerce.
Approved June 29, 1961
Statutory text
AN ACT
To strengthen the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States by providing for the establishment of a United States Travel Service within the Department of Commerce.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That it is the
International Travel Act of 1961.
purpose of this Act to strengthen the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States, and promote friendly understanding and appreciation of the United States by encouraging foreign residents to visit the United States and by facilitating international travel generally.
Sec. 2.
In order to carry out the purpose of this Act the Secretary
Secretary of Commerce.
Authority.
of Commerce (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Secretary”) shall—
develop, plan, and carry out a comprehensive program designed to stimulate and encourage travel to the United States by residents of foreign countries for the purpose of study, culture, recreation, business, and other activities as a means of promoting friendly understanding and good will among peoples of foreign countries and of the United States;
encourage the development of tourist facilities, low cost unit tours, and other arrangements within the United States for meeting the requirements of foreign visitors;
foster and encourage the widest possible distribution of the benefits of travel at the cheapest rates between foreign countries and the United States consistent with sound economic principles;
encourage the simplification, reduction, or elimination of barriers to travel, and the facilitation of international travel generally;
collect, publish, and provide for the exchange of statistics and technical information, including schedules of meetings, fairs, and other attractions, relating to international travel and tourism.
Sec. 3.
In performing the duties set forth in section 2, the Secretary—
shall utilize the facilities and services of existing agencies of the Federal Government to the fullest extent possible including the maximum utilization of counterpart funds; and, to the fullest extent consistent with the performance of their own duties and functions, such agencies shall permit such utilization of facilities and services;
may consult and cooperate with individuals, businesses, and organizations engaged in or concerned with international travel, including local, State, Federal, and foreign governments, and international agencies;
may obtain by contract and otherwise the advice and services of qualified professional organizations and personnel;
after consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish such branches in foreign countries, as he deems to be necessary and desirable.
The Secretary, under the authority of this Act, shall not provide or arrange for transportation for, or accommodations to, persons traveling between foreign countries and the United States in competition with business engaged in providing or arranging for such transportation or accommodations.
Sec. 4.
There is hereby established in the Department of Commerce United States Travel Service which shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall be compensated at the rate of $19,000 per annum, and who shall report directly to the Secretary. All duties and responsibilities of the Secretary under this Act shall be exercised directly by the Secretary or by the Secretary through the Director.
Sec. 5.
The Secretary shall submit semi-annually to the President and to the Congress a report on his activities under this Act.
Sec. 6.
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, there is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $3,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1962, and not to exceed $4,700,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.
Sec. 7.
This Act may be cited as the “International Travel Act of 1961”.
Approved June 29, 1961, 12:17 p.m.