Following its final passage in the Senate last week, President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act into law. The bi-partisan bill will create a national tourism board - the Corporation for Travel Promotion - to promote the United States as a travel destination to international visitors.

"By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool," says Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

The organization will be financed through a $10 fee on foreign travelers from 35 countries and a matching program of up to $100 million in private-sector contributions. The fee will be collected every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization.