Louisiana House Bill HR72

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/18
• Passed: 4/11/18

Caption

Designates April 11, 2018, as Tourism Day at the state capitol

Impact

The resolution highlights the economic benefits of tourism, which is primarily funded through a specific dedication of three one-hundredths of a cent of sales tax, rather than general state funds. This financial structure underlines the industry's autonomy and significant contribution to the state's economy, creating approximately 231,567 jobs across various sectors. By designating a specific day to celebrate tourism, the resolution aims to enhance public awareness and appreciation for the tourism sector’s contributions.

Summary

House Resolution 72, authored by Representative Stokes, designates April 11, 2018, as Tourism Day at the state capitol in Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the significance of tourism in the state, noting that in 2016, over 46.7 million visitors brought in $16.8 billion in revenue. This substantial influx of tourism funding resulted in tax revenues amounting to $1.04 billion for the state, showcasing a considerable return on investment for the state's tourism office.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR72 is generally positive. Legislators and tourism professionals expressed strong support for the resolution, viewing it as a necessary acknowledgment of the tourism industry's pivotal role in Louisiana's economy. The designation of a tourism day is seen as an opportunity to promote the state further and to celebrate the successes achieved through effective marketing and tourism strategies.

Contention

While the resolution is largely supportive of tourism initiatives, it does reflect ongoing conversations about the balance between funding public initiatives through dedicated tax collections versus general funds. Nonetheless, no significant points of contention appear in the discussions, focusing instead on celebrating the benefits and successes of the tourism industry, as supported by advocacy from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association and other tourism stakeholders.