WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed the American Music Tourism Act of 2025 into law on October 9, 2026, directing the Department of Commerce to identify and promote American music destinations and events to domestic and international travelers. The White House confirmed the signing.
The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote international travel to American music attractions and events. Its scope includes independent venues, recording studios, museums, festivals and concerts, recognizing music as both a cultural asset and an economic driver.
The law requires an initial report within one year of enactment and subsequent reports every two years. It does not create an open grant program for venues or artists. Its definition of music tourism includes historic and contemporary attractions, studios, museums, venues, festivals and performances. Read the enrolled legislation.
A chance to widen the music map
Major destinations already benefit from music tourism, but the measure could help bring more attention to smaller clubs, regional festivals, historic studios and museums outside the best-known entertainment districts.
For independent operators, the practical questions are whether the federal campaign will feature smaller attractions, how destinations will qualify for promotion and whether state and local tourism agencies will participate.
Radio stations and independent media could also become useful partners. Local broadcasters already possess the history, personalities and audience relationships needed to tell visitors why a venue, studio or regional music scene matters.
With the law signed, attention turns to implementation: which destinations receive promotion, how independent venues participate and how results are measured. Updated October 10, 2026: This article originally reported congressional passage; it now reflects the October 9 signing.