Today, U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Marcia Blackburn are promoting music tourism by requiring the Department of Commerce to implement a plan to increase and attract domestic and international visitors to venues across the country. Introduced a bipartisan bill to support and increase American music tourism.
“Music venues are the guardians of our culture. From Red Rocks to the Grand Ole Opry to hundreds of small venues across the country, millions of people visit Colorado and every state to enjoy their music. We listen to world-class musicians and interact with each other,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan American Music Tourism Act will help these venues by helping the music tourism industry grow and expand.”
“Tennesseeans know something about the positive economic and cultural impact that music tourism has,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Volunteer State is home to many iconic musical landmarks for visitors to enjoy, from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. We’re proud of this bipartisan legislation, which will foster the booming industry of music tourism and allow fans around the world to celebrate music’s rich history for generations to come.”
Music tourism is projected to generate more than $11.3 billion in revenue nationwide by 2032. The United States boasts the world’s largest music industry, generating more than $43 billion in revenue each year, and he is one of the primary beneficiaries of international interest in music tourism. .
Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
Requires the Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism in the Department of Commerce to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for domestic and international visitors.
Requires a report to Congress on the findings and accomplishments of the Assistant Secretary’s efforts to promote travel and tourism.
The legislation was sponsored by the Colorado Economic Development and International Trade Authority, Colorado Creative Industries, Denver Arts & Venues, the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venue Association, and the Nashville Songwriters Association. Supported. International, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Colorado Chamber Players, Youth on Records, Underground Music Showcase, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Swallow Hill Music, and eTown Music.
“Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado Department of Economic Development and International Trade, recognizes the far-reaching impact the music industry contributes to Colorado’s creative economy, our lifestyles, and our well-being. Music Industrial tourism supports music workers and concert venues and helps music scenes thrive. The American Music Tourism Act supports transformative efforts for musicians, technicians, promoters, and venues in Colorado and across the United States. We will improve Colorado’s music industry by focusing and promoting increased investment,” said Josh Blanchard, director of Colorado Arts, Colorado Creative Industries. agency.
“America’s tourism laws are like music to the nation’s venues and cultural institutions. Cultural tourist visits drive ticket sales, hotel stays, and food and beverage spending, which pumps money into the entire transportation sector. “Any effort to expand this sector of the arts economy is welcomed and valued,” said Gretchen Holler, executive director of Denver Arts & Venues.
“The Recording Academy is pleased to support the American Music and Tourism Act and applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their continued dedication to the betterment of our music community. “This bill will expand the music community’s contribution to economic growth and increase understanding of music’s impact on the United States and the world.” said Todd Dupler, director of public policy.
“From the historic Grand Ole Opry to the legendary Telluride Bluegrass Festival, America’s music story comes alive in iconic venues and landmarks across the country. We applaud the Senators for introducing the American Music Tourism Act, which will allow even more music fans to experience the rich heritage of American music first-hand,” said Mitch Glazier, President and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America. said.
“From rural communities to urban centers, independent stages attract investment and visitors to the artists and professionals who present their shows, as well as the restaurants, retail, and attractions that surround them. America’s The Music Tourism Act finally recognizes music tourism as a catalyst for economic development and ensures its growth is a national priority. We applaud them for aligning their tourism strategy with venues and festivals across the country that the world travels to experience,” said Stephen Parker, executive director of the National Association of Independent Venues.
“As executives of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, we wholeheartedly support the proposed American Music Tourism Act,” said Colorado Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Karen Rudman.
“This legislation brings further focus and intent to music tourism in ways that have the potential to benefit the broader ecosystem, including providing much-needed resources to independent venues and mission-based music festivals. It has potential,” said Jamie Duffy, executive director of Youth on Record. Co-manager of Underground Music Showcase.
“Without the reality of music tourism, our organization would not have been able to survive and thrive as much as it has for decades. The music industry needs this support now, and we are grateful to Senator Hickenlooper and Blackburn for getting this bill through to hopeful adoption. I commend the senator for his leadership,” said James Horowitz, CEO and founder of Jazz Aspen Snowmass.
“Music tourism is critical to the economic vitality of many states, including Colorado. Our business creates meaningful experiences that people value, so people can enjoy their favorite bands or bands they are seeing for the first time. They’re even willing to travel all over the United States to see it. This generates revenue for hotels, restaurants, airlines, etc. According to a recent study, music tourism will reach $11.3 billion by 2032. “The U.S. Music Tourism Act builds on the existing framework and further promotes music tourism,” said Jesse Clark, CEO of Swallow Hill Music.
