Connecticut Senate Bill SB00133

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/20
• Refer: 2/18/20
• Report Pass: 3/5/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Regional Tourism Districts.

Impact

One significant change introduced by this bill is the requirement for each tourism district to comply with uniform standards for accounting and expenditure reporting, which will be established by the Department of Economic and Community Development. This enhanced oversight aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds allocated for tourism promotion. Additionally, unspent funds must be returned to the state for broader marketing initiatives, thereby centralizing some financial control over tourism funding.

Summary

SB00133 establishes three regional tourism districts in Connecticut aimed at promoting and marketing the state as a leisure and business travel destination. Each district—eastern, central, and western—comprises various municipalities tasked with fostering cooperation among local tourism businesses. The purpose of these districts is to stimulate economic growth through a structured approach to tourism management and promotion, allowing for a more coordinated marketing strategy across the state.

Contention

While the bill appears to encourage economic development through tourism, there are notable contentions around local autonomy in tourism marketing and funding. Some may argue that state oversight could limit local initiatives and the authenticity of local tourism efforts. Concerns may arise about whether each district's specific needs will be adequately addressed under a more centralized funding and promotional structure, potentially leading to disparities in how effectively different regions market their attractions.