The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), the state’s tourism marketing organization, sent members a letter this week asking them to contact their local legislators in order to report directly how slow summer bookings are impacting their business and to aid in the organization’s request that its marketing budget be bolstered to $20 million annually. The letter stated: “This summer is looking grim for Alaska’s tourism businesses. We’re hearing reports of bookings being down 20 to 60 percent throughout Alaska. Businesses are telling us that they’re cutting back on summer hiring, purchasing and operating costs. Some may even be forced to close their doors. The reverberations will have a huge negative impact on communities -- tax revenues, jobs, economic activity, and even the quality of life we've come to expect. This summer will be bad. So, how can we keep this from becoming a downward spiral for the next few years?
“We need to step up and make sure the world knows they’re invited to visit, and the way to do that is through Alaska’s Tourism Marketing programs. We’ve argued for years that Alaska needs a $20 million budget to be competitive in the global marketplace. This year, with strong support from members of the Legislature we've had SB138 and HB167 introduced. Fourteen of the 20 senators have signed on as co-sponsors of SB138 and 15 representatives are co-sponsors of HB167. Both bills provide a tax credit for the cruise lines to make voluntary contributions to Alaska’s image marketing campaigns. It is a win-win piece of legislation for both the state and the industry, and when combined with ATIA’s existing marketing budget, we may finally see the $20 million we need. … With two weeks left in the session it is imperative that the bill be passed out of committees and on to the respective Floors for a vote.
“That's where you come in. We need each and every person who understands the value of tourism to contact their senator and representative and simply request that they pass SB 138 or HB167 the tourism tax credit bill this legislative session. A short letter, or even an email, will help them realize that this legislation is critically important to Alaska visitor businesses. Now is the time -- it really can't wait -- and you can't depend on someone else doing it. Please, contact your legislator today! It's the most important thing you can do to help your business rebound from the economic crisis tourism faces.
“The message is simple: give your name and business then briefly summarize your outlook for the summer season; mention that a sustainable tourism marketing effort is important to your company and to your employees; quantify your staffing reductions this season due to economic crisis; request that your senator or representative urge the Finance Committees in the House and Senate to move the bills to the Floor. (HB167 / SB138). Again your concise communication is vitally important as the 26th legislative session comes to a close. Please feel free to contact ATIA offices if you need assistance identifying your representative.” For more information, visit www.alaskatia.org.
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