The American Music Tourism Act seeks to support struggling venues and musicians

In the United States, the live music industry is facing a crisis as smaller venues and festivals struggle to survive in the shadow of giants like Live Nation and AEG. However, a new ray of hope has emerged in the form of the American Music Tourism Act, introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper.

This bipartisan legislation aims to harness the power of music tourism to revitalize the struggling live music scene in the US. With the music industry generating over $43 billion in revenue annually, music tourism is projected to bring in over $11.3 billion by 2032.

The American Music Tourism Act would require the Commerce Department to develop a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors. Additionally, a report on the progress and achievements of these efforts would be submitted to Congress.

Senator Hickenlooper emphasized the importance of music venues as cultural landmarks, attracting millions of visitors to states like Colorado. The legislation has garnered support from a diverse coalition including the Recording Academy, the RIAA, Live Nation, and the National Independent Venues Association.

While the challenges facing the live music industry are complex, the American Music Tourism Act is seen as a crucial first step towards revitalizing smaller venues and festivals across the country. By recognizing music tourism as a catalyst for economic development, the bill aims to ensure the growth of the industry remains a national priority.