A big blow for travel industry

Published on Monday, May 18, 2009

The Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee released its version of the proposed 2010 budget on Wednesday, May 13th. The Committee proposed elimination of the Regional Tourism Council's marketing program and the allocation for the Visitor Information Centers. In addition, they recommended an additional reduction in the State's Office of Travel and Tourism's operating budget by $2.4 million.

In the most drastic proposed budget cuts in history, many programs are at risk without state funding support. Regional tourism marketing is an important extension of the State's efforts to draw more visitors and their dollars to Massachusetts. Operation of the Visitor Centers creates key support for visitors once they arrive.

As state revenues continue to fall, it is important that we consider the effect this lack of tourism promotion and support will have on the number of people who travel to or within Massachusetts each year. According to most recent numbers:

Massachusetts visitors spent $15.1 billion - four billion more than in 2003.

Cape & Islands visitors spend in excess of $1.5 billion annually.
Spending generated $2.3 billion in tax receipts.
Tourism is an income-producing arm of the government: FY08 tax collections from lodging alone was $119,137,000 state room tax. An additional $96,854,000 local option room tax collections.
Tourism supports jobs - 127,800 jobs throughout the Commonwealth. Thousands more are dependent on these businesses' success. 

Senator Robert O'Leary has filed an amendment that would restore some tourism promotion & marketing funds.

ACTION: Contact your Senator and relate the following:

1. We understand the need for additional revenues and the fact that you may have to raise taxes and fees to do this. We urge you to take the least offensive route so that minimum hardship is endured by the citizens of The Commonwealth.

2. Regional tourism marketing is important to your business and you respectfully request that the Senate restore the line item (#7007-1000) at a reduced level of $6 million (a 33.3% cut).

3. As a business owner in his/her district you add your marketing funds to these from the state to ensure regional marketing continues. This leverages the state funds at a minimum of 1.5 to 1.

Click here for a sample communication that you can copy and use to lobby with when contacting your Senator.