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GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIESAdvocating on behalf of Georgia's destination marketing and tourism industry, the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) works with policymakers at all levels to promote and support tourism as a vital and powerful engine for economic growth and job creation. State Legislative Agenda & Policy GoalsLodging Tax Policy1.Protect Georgia’s lodging taxes for their intended use for destination marketing Lodging taxes are paid by visitors from all marketing segments: leisure tourists and business travelers -– not by local residents.Lodging tax revenue is critical to effective destination marketing. Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) attract visitors that spend money at local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour companies, retail stores, etc. Visitor spending generates hundreds of thousands and sometimes millions of dollars in both local and state sales as well as lodging tax for communities. The lodging industry should collect and remit the appropriate level of lodging taxes as required by law.
Tourism Promotion2.Prioritize and increase investment in Georgia’s tourism marketingTourism declines when tourism marketing is not adequately supported and funded. When tourism declines communities suffer. The tourism industry generates revenue and creates jobs that ensures success for Georgia – but not without investment. A robust, comprehensive, statewide tourism marketing campaign will keep Georgia competitive. The state's tourism marketing budget currently ranks last in the Southeast.
Welcoming Environment3.Oppose discriminatory legislationIn Georgia, discrimination is not allowed or condoned for any reason, at any time. There have been efforts to promote and pass what are known as religious freedom bills, also known as RFRA. Such legislation is not necessary because freedom to practice religion is already protected by the United States Constitution and has been upheld in numerous judicial decisions. RFRA legislation is often perceived as a means for discrimination. Legislation that discriminates can lead to the economic loss from large events and businesses that will go elsewhere rather than supporting state-sanctioned discrimination.
Travel & Tourism Labor Force4.Support Workforce Development InitiativesBuilding an industry career pipeline and preparing tomorrow's hospitality and tourism workforce is serious business. Travel and hospitality trade associations and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs work to offer solutions to the challenges facing the hospitality and tourism sector and can prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to help the industry continue to innovate and grow. Employers must work together with educators to make CTE a priority, and tourism-economic development industry partners must collaborate with relevant state agencies, business trade groups, and educational institutions to identify current workers and build career-minded students and professionals for the future.
Federal Legislative PrioritiesAdvocate for Tourism!
Bolster Tourism’s Voice Among Federal Legislators
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