• Establishing PTLA's legislative priorities and positions;
  
• Lobbying members of the PA General Assembly and state regulatory agencies on behalf of our members;
  
• In conjunction with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), lobbying members of the Congress and federal regulatory officials on behalf of our members;
  
• Encouraging members to communicate the Association's positions to state and federal lawmakers and regulatory officials;
  
• Promoting the economic and social contributions of the state's tourism industry to the legislative and executive branches of state government;
  
• Providing opportunities for members to become involved in the political process through the Association's political action committee, TravelPAC.
  

LOBBYING ACTIVITIES
The Association's registered lobbyist along with the support of the PTLA Board and Committees protects and promotes tourism interests in the State Capital. The PA General Assembly consists of two chambers-a 203-member House of Representatives and a 50-member Senate. Lawmakers meet, consider and vote on bills during approximately nine months of the year.

LEGISLATIVE EVENTS
2011 will be an exciting year in Pennsylvania politics with a new Governor and General Assembly. PTLA will be working hard to ensure that legislation and regulations that are enacted this year will have a positive impact on your business.

PTLA members are encouraged to get involved in the political process this year, regardless of your political affiliation. Participation in the legislative process is good for business, good for our industry and good for your bottom line.

PTLA held two important events so far this year to allow members to participate in the legislative process.

On March 14-16, 2011, the Pennsylvania Industry Summit was held at the Hilton Harrisburg. The event, intended to become an annual gathering of the state's second largest industry, included representatives of every facet of PA tourism including museums, wineries, golf courses, hotels, restaurants, attractions, suppliers and many other tourism partners' largely made up of small businesses.

Pennsylvania Tourism accounts for more than 400,000 jobs or nearly seven percent of all individuals employed in the state. In 2009 the industry generated $32.9 billion in economic impact to Pennsylvania. This equates to $3.4 billion in state and local tax revenues.

The theme for this year's event was “Together for Tourism.” “The goal of the summit was to bring together many industry partners to explore ways to work more collaboratively toward a stronger voice with our new Governor and state legislature.

The tourism industry celebrated Tourism Day at the State Capitol on March 15th. Tourism Day was really the highlight of the three-day summit as hundreds of people employed by this vital state industry gathered for a rally and expo at the State Capitol. Entitled “PA Tourism Day,” the rally featured costumed characters from area attractions and sporting events, such as the Reading Phillies and Sesame Place.
This event provided an opportunity for participants to visit with their legislators and share their perspective on key issues impacting Tourism.

Carbon Monoxide Sensors Mandated Swimming Pools Lifeguards Mandatory Menu Labeling Merger of Tourism Funding Programs Room Tax/Transportation Funding Unemployment Compensation Hearings Wholesale Wine & Spirit Discount