04-R 137

2004 -- S 2342

Enacted 03/23/04

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND TO OPPOSE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM GACT IN REGARD TO REALLOCATION OF HOTEL LODGING FUNDS AND THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE TOURISM ORGANIZATION

Introduced By: Senator Daniel P. Connors

Date Introduced: February 11, 2004

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s tourism industry generated $3.2 billion for Rhode Island’s

economy in 2000. Exquisite ocean beaches, significant historic sites and nationally renowned

restaurants provide tantalizing opportunities for visitors of our state to come and enjoy; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island’s regional tourism organizations have played a

key role in displaying and sustaining these attractions as well as providing for economic growth

in our communities and a high quality of life for our residents; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Carcieri’s Advisory Committee on Tourism (GACT) has issued a

report urging the Governor to redirect hotel lodging taxes from the state’s regional tourism

organizations to the creation of a new quasi-government statewide organization; and

     WHEREAS, This action would seriously affect the ability of regional tourism

organizations to continue to operate; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully urges Governor Carcieri to oppose all recommendations relative to changes in

the allocation of hotel tax funds from our regional tourism organizations; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That we strongly urge Governor Carcieri to oppose altering our existing

system of regional organizations through the establishment of a statewide central tourism agency;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Governor Carcieri.

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LC01793

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