The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is celebrating the inclusion of the American Music Tourism Act in the latest congressional spending bill. This bipartisan legislation aims to boost music tourism across the United States.

Key Points About the American Music Tourism Act:

• The Act will require the Commerce Department's assistant secretary for travel and tourism to identify and promote significant music tourism locations and events across the U.S.
• It amends the existing Visit America Act to specifically include music venues
• The legislation has received support from both NIVA and the RIAA

Impact on Independent Venues:

According to NIVA executive director Stephen Parker, the legislation will benefit local communities in several ways:

• Support independent venues and festivals as cultural hubs
• Drive economic activity through increased tourism
• Generate revenue for local businesses (hotels, restaurants, retail)
• Create jobs and opportunities across American communities

The Act is part of a larger 1,547-page omnibus spending package that includes other music industry legislation, such as the TICKET Act. While the overall spending bill faces some scrutiny, the American Music Tourism Act enjoys broad bipartisan support.

If passed, this legislation would represent the first national strategy focused specifically on music tourism, helping ensure the continued success and diversity of America's music venues and festivals.

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