Louisiana House Bill HR61

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/21
• Passed: 5/5/21

Caption

Designates May 5, 2021, as Tourism Day at the state capitol

Impact

The resolution aims to highlight the critical contributions of the travel and tourism industry, which was already a vital part of the state economy before the pandemic. In 2019, the industry generated approximately $1.92 billion in tax revenues, making it a significant economic driver. The recognition of Tourism Day seeks to catalyze recovery efforts, particularly for small businesses reliant on tourism, as increased travel and local engagement are essential for economic revitalization in both urban and rural areas across Louisiana.

Summary

House Resolution 61 (HR61) designates May 5, 2021, as Tourism Day at the state capitol of Louisiana. This resolution acknowledges the significance of the travel and tourism industry to the state's economy, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected economic activity in this sector. Members of the tourism community, including leaders from various sectors of the travel industry, gathered to emphasize the essential role travel plays in Louisiana's post-pandemic recovery efforts and overall economic health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR61 is largely positive, reflecting a unified effort to support Louisiana's travel and tourism sector as it continues to recover from pandemic-related setbacks. The resolution expresses gratitude towards local and state tourism leaders and emphasizes the necessity of sustained support and relief funding to aid in the recovery process. This collaborative sentiment among stakeholders represents a shared understanding of the importance of the tourism industry for the state's employment and economic stability.

Contention

While HR61 does not contain explicit points of contention as it is a resolution rather than legislation proposing new statutes, there are underlying challenges that the tourism industry faces in terms of recovery and financial support. The resolution indirectly points out the need for ongoing investments and relief efforts to ensure the industry's competitiveness and sustainability. The acknowledgment of the tourism sector's struggle may also highlight discussions around how best to provide necessary support in light of the varied impacts of the pandemic.