Louisiana Senate Bill SR56

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/21
• Passed: 5/5/21

Caption

Recognizes Wednesday, May 5, 2021, as Tourism Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.

Impact

The passing of SR56 aims to underscore the vital economic contributions of the travel and tourism industry in Louisiana, projecting the need for ongoing support and relief measures for businesses within this sector. It brings attention to how the travel industry, which was generating around $1.92 billion in tax revenues before the pandemic, is critical not just for state revenues but also for job creation among local communities and small businesses. The resolution conveys that a focused investment in tourism promotion is key for economic recovery, particularly for businesses reliant on tourism-related activities.

Summary

Senate Resolution 56, introduced by Senator Johns, recognizes May 5, 2021, as Tourism Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution is part of a broader recognition of National Travel and Tourism Week and underscores the significant role that the travel industry plays in both the state and national economy, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery. The resolution also highlights the urgency to reinvigorate the tourism sector that has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in substantial declines in jobs and tax revenues from travel-related activities.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SR56 appears to be positive, as it advocates for the travel and tourism industry during a period of significant economic difficulty caused by the pandemic. The resolution reflects a recognition of the struggles faced by this industry and emphasizes the potential for recovery through appropriate state support. It aims to rally local stakeholders and state leaders to prioritize the needs of the tourism sector as businesses begin to reopen and the economy transitions back to normalcy.

Contention

While SR56 has garnered support from many in the tourism sector, there may be underlying concerns about the equitable distribution of relief efforts and how effectively such measures can revitalize the industry as a whole. The resolution signifies a shift towards understanding the importance of the local tourism workforce and the unique challenges they face, which may lead to discussions on how best to balance the support between large entities and small businesses within the industry.