PTLA InfoBlast

PTLA Legislative Update

As the current legislative session is drawing to a close there are still many issues that are critically important to the Tourism Industry that need to be addressed. As we move forward, we will be continuing to work with the new Administration and Legislative leaders on the following priorities:

Dedicated Tourism Funding
In September, the PTLA Board discussed and approved PTLA being a member of the “Pennsylvania Roundtable”. The Roundtable is a broad-based coalition of Tourism Associations in partnership with the PA Tourism Office, who are committed to finding a solution for Tourism Funding.

The goal of this taskforce is to develop an efficient public-private governance structure and adequate (dedicated) funding for unified branding and marketing efforts for Pennsylvania Tourism. The Roundtable has been working since April to put together a package of ideas and concepts that can be discussed within the Industry.

Several members of the Roundtable recently testified in front of the House Tourism Committee, to update the Committee on the work that the Roundtable has been doing and the need for the Industry to be a proactive partner in addressing and solving the Commonwealth's unprecedented budget challenges. The Roundtable has looked at many of the other states and models throughout the Country to find one that could work for Pennsylvania.

Transportation Funding Update
Because our transportation infrastructure is so vital to the travel and tourism sector of the economy, PTLA is a member of the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition, a diverse group of transportation system supporters advocating for a comprehensive solution to Pennsylvania's transportation funding problem.

The Coalition supports a long-term solution for Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs. We support finding a viable, sustainable solution to the transportation funding shortfall rather than a temporary fix.

One of Pennsylvania's competitive advantages is its proximity to markets and visitors. More than 85% of our visitors come by roads and rail. Thus, Pennsylvania's transit systems and passenger rail lines are vital aspects of our transportation infrastructure along with roads and bridges.

Absent a safe, well-maintained, efficient transportation system, our travel and tourism economy suffers. Visitors cannot get to our locations. Our business partners lose time and money moving their goods and services to our locations.

HB 2612 - Liquor Code Changes
This bill would amend the Liquor Code to permit hotel, restaurant and club liquor licenses to use their liquor licenses at a catered event off the licensed premises. These licensees would be permitted to sell liquor, malt or brewed beverages by the glass, open bottle or other container for consumption on those premises solely used for catering purposes so long as the alcoholic beverages were purchased in conjunction with a meal which will be consumed on the catered premises.

Additionally it would permit the holder of these licenses to sell up to 2 bottles of sealed wine for consumption off the licensed premises.

There is broad-based support for this bill throughout the industry.

For more information on PTLA's Governmental Affairs visit www.patourism.org/gov