U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has been assigned by Senate Democrats as the chairman of a Senate subcommittee that will have a new emphasis on tourism.

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s subcommittee on tourism, competitiveness and innovation will focus on tourism promotion, such as Brand USA, a public-private partnership that promotes the United States in international markets.

"This is really very good news for Hawaii," said Schatz, D-Hawaii. "It’s going to allow Hawaii to not just continue to be the gold standard in hospitality, but also to start to lead on national tourism policy. This is one of the few areas where there is a real potential for bipartisan cooperation.

"And we can also make sure that federal resources are made available to make sure that Hawaii’s tourism economy continues to drive our recovery."

Roy Yamaguchi, the chef known for Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine and who serves on the board of directors for Brand USA, said Schatz’s assignment could be a positive for Hawaii and other states that rely on tourism.

"Hopefully, this is going to benefit everybody across the board," he said.

Former Gov. Linda Lingle, during her unsuccessful Republican campaign for the Senate in 2012, said she would press for a tourism committee or subcommittee if elected.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who defeated Lingle, has concentrated on helping tourism by trying to reduce visa and other travel barriers to Hawaii.

The rebranded Senate subcommittee on tourism, according to Schatz, came after the Senate reconfigured its committee lineup due to the departure of former U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat appointed by President Barack Obama as ambassador to China.

The subcommittee had previously covered competitiveness, innovation and export promotion.

"I am supremely confident that Senator Schatz, as chairman of the tourism subcommittee, will put his singular insight on the importance of a robust tourism industry and an appreciation for its profound economic benefits to good use for his state and the country," U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said in a statement.

A second subcommittee chairmanship is a potential political boost for Schatz, who is also the chairman the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on water and power.

The subcommittee chairmanships could provide Schatz, an appointed freshman, some additional influence in the Senate.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is challenging Schatz in the Democratic primary, has said that she would be better equipped to deliver for Hawaii in the Senate.