Hoeven: Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Tourism Industry, Spur Economic Development in Native Communities

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Indian Affairs Committee, today announced that legislation he cosponsored, the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, has unanimously passed the Senate. The bipartisan legislation will help to create job opportunities in Native American communities, enhance native tourism and empower communities.

“Native Americans have a rich culture, vibrant traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of community,” Hoeven said. “The NATIVE Act will promote tourism in Indian Country, create job opportunities and ultimately empower Native American communities to share their heritage with all Americans.”

Specifically, the NATIVE Act will ensure that federal agencies with tourism responsibilities and assets include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It would also give American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native communities access to the resources and technical assistance they need to establish recreational and cultural travel and tourism capacity and infrastructure, create good jobs and spur economic development.

Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and John Thune (R-S.D.) sponsored the legislation.

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