To effectively administer and monitor its economic development assistance programs, EDA collects certain information from applications for, and recipients of, EDA investment assistance. Under the EDA American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, award recipients are required to submit identified program metrics and information to ensure that EDA regional development investments are evidence-based and data-driven, and accountable to participants and the public.
EDA will require electronic survey of the 332 Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation award recipients. Of these, 30 award recipients will also participate in a phone interview. This collection instrument will collect baseline data from awardees that will lay the foundation for a future evaluation of EDAâs investments in travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The survey will be conducted once.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) requires the Commerce Department to produce a report to Congress on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the travel industry. This legislation included language specifying that in writing this report, Commerce should consult with industry officials, including Destination Marketing Organizations and State Travel Directors. Commerce has produced an interim report. In preparing for the final report, which is due in December 2023, Commerce intends asking State Tourism Directors to supply comments on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their state and the current conditions of travel in their state and incorporating their comments into the final report.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.