The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has announced support for the American Music Tourism Act's inclusion in a new congressional spending bill. This bipartisan legislation aims to boost music tourism across the United States.

Key Points About the American Music Tourism Act:

• Amends the Visit America Act to include music venues
• Requires the Commerce Department to identify important music tourism locations and events
• Focuses on promoting domestic travel to these sites
• Aims to support independent venues and festivals

The Act is part of a larger 1,547-page omnibus spending package that includes other music industry legislation like the TICKET Act. While the overall spending bill faces some scrutiny, the American Music Tourism Act has received broad support across party lines.

NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker emphasized the Act's importance: "Independent venues and festivals are the lifeblood of local communities, not just as cultural hubs but also as powerful engines of economic activity. They attract millions of tourists annually, fueling spending at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments."

Expected Benefits:

• Enhanced promotion of music venues and events
• Increased tourism revenue for local communities
• Support for venue sustainability
• Creation of jobs and economic opportunities
• Preservation of diverse programming and experiences

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