Louisiana House Bill HR52

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/22
• Passed: 4/11/22

Caption

Designates April 12, 2022, as Tourism Day at the state capitol

Impact

The designation of Tourism Day is aimed at fostering appreciation for the state’s tourism professionals and encouraging continued support and promotion of the industry. By recognizing the importance of tourism, the resolution also seeks to maintain awareness among lawmakers and the public about the ongoing recovery efforts within the travel sector. Furthermore, the resolution suggests that this recognition may help secure future funding and resources necessary for the tourism office to effectively promote Louisiana, which is vital for fostering economic growth in the state.

Summary

House Resolution 52, introduced by Representative Schexnayder, designates April 12, 2022, as Tourism Day at the state capitol in Louisiana. This resolution aims to recognize the significance of the travel and tourism industry in the state, particularly following the challenges posed by the pandemic. The resolution emphasizes the contributions of tourism to Louisiana’s economy, noting that in 2020, visitor expenditures generated substantial tax revenue, demonstrating the sector's crucial role in economic recovery efforts post-pandemic. It also highlights that the tourism industry holds a significant position as the fourth-largest employer in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR52 appears to be largely positive, as it celebrates the contributions of the tourism sector to Louisiana. The resolution expresses appreciation for tourism-related initiatives which are essential to the state’s economy. Supporters of the bill likely view this recognition as necessary for the continued revitalization of tourism, particularly in the aftermath of declines caused by the pandemic. The positive tone is also etched with a sense of optimism for the industry’s ongoing recovery and its future potential.

Contention

While there does not appear to be significant contention surrounding HR52, there may be underlying concerns regarding budget allocations and the dependency of the tourism industry on limited funding. The resolution points out that Louisiana’s tourism funding relies exclusively on a small dedicated portion of sales tax, which could raise questions about the sustainability of such support in the face of economic fluctuations. Additionally, as tourism relies heavily on visitor numbers, any future disruptions could impact the industry's recovery and its viability.