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Condotta pushes for a
tourism TV advertising campaign
It began with a meeting
between a local representative, chambers of commerce and other
tourism-related groups in the 12th District. And now
Rep. Cary Condotta,
R-Wenatchee, has introduced a bill in the 2005 Legislature that would
fund a television advertising campaign to promote tourism all across
Washington, including major visitor attractions in Central Washington.
House Bill 1588 would
appropriate up to $2.5 million over two years from the state’s general
fund budget toward a tourism TV ad campaign. The state Department of
Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) would be responsible
for creating and conducting the campaign, which would get underway this
summer. Both House Republicans and Democrats have signed on to support
the bill.
“Washington has a tremendous range of tourist activities to offer,
including very popular locations in Central Washington such as Cashmere,
Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, the Methow Valley and other spots,” Condotta
said. “This bill would raise awareness of everything Washington has to
offer travelers, as well as create jobs and generate revenues that local
communities and the state could use to provide vital services. It’s a
win not only for the traveler, but for our citizens as well.”
A recent study of the
economic impact of tourism in Washington showed that between 1999 and
2003, travel spending generated $982 million in local tax revenues and
$2.7 billion in state revenue, and supported 686,000 jobs statewide.
Eastern Washington benefited during that time to the tune of $144
million in local tax receipts and 162,000 jobs. In 2003 alone, travel
spending generated local tax funds of $300,000 in Douglas County; $1.6
million in Okanogan County; and $5.4 million in Chelan County.
Craig Larsen, President of
the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, voiced his support for a
statewide tourism ad campaign, saying such a move would be of tremendous
benefit to citizens and small business owners in Central Washington.
“Tourism is important
throughout the state, but even more so in rural areas,” Larsen said.
“We’ve got the great natural beauty, the attractions and everything else
people could want. But like any business, we’ve got to advertise it.
This bill is a great investment, because in the end the state will end
up making money on the deal.”
HB 1588 would appropriate
$750,000 toward the TV ad campaign between July 1, 2005 and June 30,
2006, and another $1.5 million from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. The
bill also contains a clause that if the 2005-06 state budget doesn’t
include funding for this idea, CTED would be required to spend $3.5
million – or 33 percent of its tourism budget, whichever is greater – on
such a tourism TV advertising campaign.
“Tourism is a very big
part of the economy in Central Washington and across our state,” said
Condotta. “Washington currently ranks in the bottom five states for
tourism spending. We have seen this type of investment pay off for many
states that have far less to offer. This is a small step with
potentially big rewards.”
The bill has been referred
to the House Economic Development, Agriculture and Trade Committee for
further consideration.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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