WASHINGTON D.C. (CelebrityAccess) — The United States Congress is considering a multifaceted spending bill that could significantly impact the live entertainment industry.
The American Music Tourism Act (AMTA) of 2024 is a bipartisan initiative aimed at encouraging both domestic and international tourism by showcasing the United States’ rich musical heritage.
The Act expands the existing Visit America Act, empowering the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to identify, promote, and “facilitate business” at music-related locations and events across the country. These include museums, music festivals, historic venues, and live performances that play a significant role in music tourism.
This legislation has been incorporated into the Continuing Resolution (CR), which seeks to avert a federal government shutdown by approving temporary funding for essential government functions.
The National Association of Independent Venues (NIVA) has expressed strong support for the inclusion of the AMTA in the CR.
“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 while creating jobs and opportunities in every community across America,” said Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director. “By commissioning the first national strategy and focus on music tourism, this legislation ensures that these spaces continue to thrive, offering diverse programming and unforgettable experiences to audiences from all over the world.”
Additionally, the CR includes the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act, which aims to reform the ticketing industry.
Key provisions of the TICKET Act:
- Comprehensive Price Disclosure: Primary and secondary ticket sellers must disclose the total price of tickets, including fees, delivery charges, and other costs, in an itemized list at the beginning of a transaction and in advertising.
- Disclosure of Ticket Availability: Sellers must inform buyers when offering speculative tickets that they do not yet own.
- Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing the new ticketing rules and protecting consumers from deceptive practices.
Congress has until Friday to pass the Continuing Resolution to avoid a shutdown of federally funded programs and services dependent on annual appropriations.
