|
 OUTLOOK ON TOURISM
A Message from Tom Norwalk
President & CEO
Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dear Tourism Supporter,
"Tourism matters!"
Seattle's tourism community has proclaimed that phrase from the capitol steps in Olympia to Westlake Park in downtown Seattle. We've written our legislators and Governor Gregoire to remind them why tourism matters. We've flown our flag from the top of the Space Needle and proudly worn buttons that bolster our industry.
Our voices have been heard. Last week, Governor Gregoire vetoed the portions of the state's 2009-2011 biennial budget that would have severely harmed our industry — a proposed $22 million sweep of the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC) capital account and a 67 percent reduction in state tourism program funding.
We should be proud of our efforts and savor this hard-earned victory. However, it is critical that our campaign continue.
Olympia's reprieve comes with threat of another WSCTC sweep next year. While the governor questioned whether the legislature’s approach was "legally appropriate," she suggested her veto could pave way for a clean transfer of funds in the 2010 supplemental budget.
The proposed WSCTC expansion also has strings attached. Though long overdue and carefully considered, the expansion has been delayed at least a year and faces new political hurdles. The governor did not veto curious budgetary language that requires the WSCTC to conduct and pay for yet another expansion feasibility and labor relations study. Despite the fact that the center completed an independent study in 2009, it now must foot the bill for another with no guarantee of appropriation next year.
As we continue through these challenging economic times, we must also be alert to our political leaders' true commitment to our industry.
We've learned that we have to speak up. Keep writing those letters of support. Wear those campaign buttons. Consider the unique contributions your business makes to our economy and convey it to anyone who will listen.
If tourism matters, then it's worth fighting for.
Best Regards,
 |
