The U.S. Travel Association sent out a reminder on the eve of "tax day" that every dollar of tax paid by a tourist is a dollar that local residents don't have to pay. For tax year 2009 that amounts to $950 per household, the trade group says.

"Take a moment to extend some friendly hospitality to the tourists in your city or town today — the money they spend has saved you nearly one thousand dollars in personal taxes this year," said Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Travel Association.

In 2009, travel spending by U.S. and international visitors resulted in more than $111 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local government, the group estimates. Of that total, $77.3 billion came from leisure travel and $34.2 billion was generated by business travel, including meetings and conventions.