President Donald Trump has signed the American Music Tourism Act into law, requiring the US Department of Commerce to promote domestic and international travel to music destinations across the country.
The legislation adds music tourism to the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism under the Visit America Act. It also establishes a federal definition of music tourism, encompassing destinations such as museums, studios and venues, along with live performances.
Reporting requirements and industry support
Within one year, the Assistant Secretary must report to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee on how the increased focus has affected music tourism overall. Subsequent reports are required every two years.
Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn and Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper led the bipartisan bill in the Senate.
Music industry organizations that endorsed the legislation include:
- Recording Academy
- Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
- American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
- Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
- Global Music Rights
- National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
Blackburn points to Tennessee destinations
Blackburn cited music attractions in Tennessee in her statement on the law:
“The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The American Music Tourism Act will promote and support the fast-growing tourism industry, and I am pleased it has been signed into law by President Trump.”
