 The goal of the PTLA lobbying efforts is to provide a favorable legislative and regulatory environment in which the Commonwealth's tourism industry can prosper and grow.
PTLA provides its members with a comprehensive state governmental affairs program covering legislative and regulatory issues. This ongoing effort involves:
- 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 President is a registered lobbyist who 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
2010 will be an exciting year in Pennsylvania politics. The outcomes of very important elections this year-Governor, U.S. Senate, and other federal and state---will have a direct impact on your business and on your association's success fighting for our industry at the state Capitol and in Washington, DC.
PTLA members are encouraged to get involved in the political process this year, regardless of your political affiliation. Participation in the election process is good for business, good for our industry and good for your bottom line.
PTLA is holding two important events to allow members to participate in the legislative process.
On March 16, 2010, the Tourism Industry Legislative Summit will be held at the Hilton Harrisburg. Come and hear about the importance of advocacy and learn about the legislative process, issues that affect your business, and strategies and tools to effectively communicate with legislators.
The tourism industry will celebrate Tourism Day at the State Capitol April 21, 2010, This event will provide you with an opportunity to make a difference through coordinated visits with your legislators and sharing your perspective on key issues impacting your business. You will also be able to attend a rally/press conference where industry leaders will speak about the economic importance of the tourism industry and its legislative priorities. Click here for an agenda or for a registration form.
REGULATORY AFFAIRS
PTLA works toward establishing a favorable regulatory and business environment in which its members can prosper. In fulfilling this role, the Association monitors the activities of state regulatory agencies and lobbies those agencies for rules and regulations that are favorable to the tourism industry. Among the issues addressed by PTLA are state per diems, swimming pool regulations, building code, and the liquor regulations. PTLA also works with businesses and other state and federal trade associations in a continuing effort to represent the common interests of the tourism industry.
RECENT LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES
In recent years, PTLA has successfully lobbied in support of favorable state legislation and against harmful legislation to its members.
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