Designates April 19, 2016, as Tourism Day at the State Capitol.
Impact
The resolution highlights the tourism sector's critical contribution to job creation, as it was noted to be the number one job growth area in 2014, supporting 226,000 jobs statewide. The bill asserts that no state general funds are allocated for tourism; instead, it's funded exclusively through a dedicated sales tax of three one-hundredths of a cent. The favorable economic return on investment from state funding for tourism efforts is anticipated to promote further growth in this sector, underscoring a positive feedback loop in state revenue generation.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 67, presented by Senator Johns, designates April 19, 2016, as 'Tourism Day' at the State Capitol in Louisiana. This resolution is a recognition of the significant role that tourism plays in the state's economy, acknowledging the record-breaking number of 28.9 million visitors in 2015, which resulted in a substantial $11.5 billion in expenditures. The financial implications of tourism are underscored, as visitor spending generated approximately $843 million in state tax revenue, marking tourism as a vital economic sector within Louisiana.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the resolution appears to be broadly favorable, with an emphasis on appreciation for the contributions of the Louisiana office of tourism. The positive outcomes of tourism on the state's economy are well recognized, and the resolution supports calls for the full funding of the office’s budget as recommended by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association. This reflects a collective endorsement from tourism professionals regarding the strategic importance of tourism promotion.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not suggest any contentious issues, there may be implicit challenges related to the adequacy of funding for tourism initiatives and sustaining growth in a competitive market. The mention of the requirement for full funding from dedicated sales tax revenues could indicate debates over budget allocations within state governance and the prioritization of tourism in relation to other state-wide needs.
Designates Tuesday, April 30, 2019, as Tourism Day at the state capitol and expresses appreciation and support to the efforts of the Louisiana Office of Tourism.