Louisiana House Bill HCR59

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/15
• Engrossed: 4/20/15
• Passed: 4/27/15

Caption

Designates Tuesday, April 21, 2015, as Tourism Day at the state capitol

Impact

The resolution brings statewide attention to the importance of tourism as a substantial revenue source for Louisiana. It underscores that funds generated from tourism do not originate from state general funds but are derived from a dedicated portion of sales tax. By designating a specific day to honor and promote tourism efforts, the resolution aims to encourage continued support and funding for the Louisiana office of tourism, which plays a critical role in attracting visitors and fostering economic growth across the state.

Summary

HCR59, a House Concurrent Resolution, designates April 21, 2015, as Tourism Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of the tourism sector to the state's economy, highlighting a record-setting year in 2014 when over twenty-eight million visitors contributed $11.2 billion to the local economy. The resolution emphasizes the financial benefits of tourism, showcasing the sector's capacity to generate substantial tax revenue and its pivotal role as a job growth leader in the state, with 223,000 jobs supported by tourism-related spending.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR59 appears overwhelmingly positive, as it seeks to celebrate and highlight the importance of the tourism industry. Legislators and stakeholders in the tourism sector widely support the resolution, viewing it as an acknowledgment of hard work and an encouragement to sustain and enhance tourism efforts. The resolution reflects a unified recognition of tourism as a vital component of Louisiana's economic landscape, garnering bipartisan applause for its focus on growth.

Contention

While HCR59 does not appear to have significant contention points, it does open a dialogue about the ongoing need for sufficient funding for tourism initiatives and marketing. The resolution advocates for the full funding of the Louisiana office of tourism budget, which aligns with recommendations from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association board. Moving forward, stakeholders may discuss the strategies for ensuring long-term support for tourism, presenting opportunities for debate on budget priorities within the state legislature.