POSITION:
The Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association supports a funding level of $17.0 milion for the Tourist Promotion Agency Matching Grant Program and Regional Marketing Initiatives in the State budget for FY 2007-2008.
CURRENT BILLS:
In February, Governor Rendell presented his proposed 2007-2008 budget plan to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
SUMMARY:
In 1961, the Pennsylvania legislature enacted Act 50, entitled the “Tourist Promotion Law,” creating a matching funds program available to all of Pennsylvania's counties that would enable them to develop tourism in their regions. TPAs use matching grant funds to conduct comprehensive destination marketing including research, advertising, public relations and promotional programs designed to stimulate travel and tourism to that particular locale The Governor's budget plan includes a $550,000 decrease from the current $11.0 million to $10.450 million for the TPA Matching Grant Program. Funding for this Program has remained at $11.0 million for the past four years. The highest level of funding was $11.5 million.
Regional Marketing Intitiatives were created in the 1998-1999 State budget with an appropriation of $3.0 million. The purpose of this program is to provide grants to mua minimum of three TPAs for tourism promotion and advertising. The highest level of funding was $8.5 million in fiscal year 1999-2000. Governor Rendell has proposed the
same level of funding of $5.0 million for this line-item.
DISCUSSION:
The Pennsylvania Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus supports $17.0 million for the TPA Matching Grant Program and Regional Marketing Initiatives.
