Louisiana House Bill HR58

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/17
• Passed: 4/24/17

Caption

Designates Monday, April 24, 2017, as Tourism Day at the state capitol

Impact

The resolution underlines the vital role of tourism in Louisiana’s economy, emphasizing that tourism-related expenditures resulted in a ripple effect that supports over 231,000 jobs statewide. Importantly, the funding for tourism promotion does not draw from general state funds; instead, it relies exclusively on a dedicated portion of the sales tax. This funding mechanism showcases the state's commitment to fostering tourism as a key driver of economic growth without straining public budgets.

Summary

House Resolution 58 designates April 24, 2017, as Tourism Day at the Louisiana State Capitol, celebrating the significance of tourism to the state’s economy. The resolution highlights a record-breaking year for tourism in 2016, with over 46.7 million visitors contributing $16.8 billion in spending. This immense influx of tourists is acknowledged to have generated substantial revenue for the state, totaling approximately $1.04 billion in tax revenue, demonstrating a favorable return on investment for tourism funding efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR58 is notably positive, reflecting a broad appreciation and support for the Louisiana Office of Tourism. The resolution illustrates a unified recognition of the economic benefits provided by the tourism sector and the effective strategies employed to market the state to potential visitors. The tone surrounding the resolution suggests a collective endeavor to promote Louisiana as a desirable travel destination, with supportive endorsements from tourism professionals and stakeholders.

Contention

While HR58 itself is a resolution to honor tourism, the implications of such a designation bring to focus ongoing discussions about the roles and funding of tourism-related entities. Significantly, tourism professionals have expressed aspirations to utilize the full budget intended for advertising and marketing more effectively. This call for increased investment may signal underlying tensions regarding resource allocation and the necessity of continued support for tourism initiatives amid competing interests within the state.