After more than 15 hours of debate, the Texas House of Representatives passed their version of the two-year, $218 billion state budget early Friday morning; the final vote was 131-16.  TTIA was successful in fending off a $17 million raid of the governor's tourism division by sharing with the amendment's author, the tax code requirement that all funds dedicated to this account may only lawfully be spent on "media advertising and other marketing activities of the Tourism Division." 

However, the House approved transferring $500,000 from the governor's tourism division for the Department of State Health Commission for Infectious Disease Prevention (Zika virus) programs with a vote of 123 Yeas and 16 Nays despite the tax code requirement.To see how your Representative voted on this amendment, see RECORD VOTE, AMENDMENT #32.

TTIA understands the importance of educating local stakeholders and residents on the positive impact travel has on the economy. We have a new study by leading economist Dr. Ray Perryman titled "The Impact of Travel and Tourism on Texas Property Tax Revenues" available for purchase. For more information, give us a call at 512-328-8842.

I encourage you to read and share a recent article the Houston Business Journal published. There's some powerful information in it on travel impacts and references Dr. Perryman's report. 

Homero Lucero, on behalf of TTIA and the Texas Commercial Airports Association, attended a White House meeting coordinated by U.S. Travel. The meeting with John Zadrozny, White House Domestic Policy Council for Homeland Security, included representatives from Marriot, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, the Metro Washington Airports Authority and Sabre Technology.

 

The topics discussed included the critical role of foreign travelers on the economic development of the U.S. and Texas travel and tourism industry, the visa waiver program, enhanced vetting requirements for foreign visitors from certain countries, enhanced security measures at U.S. airports, FAA reauthorization, privatization of security screening, airport enhancements as part of federal infrastructure spending plan, efficiency of customs/screening process for incoming foreign travelers and security measures at large crowd events.

 

The White House committed to working with all parties moving forward recognizing the U.S. and Texas travel and tourism industry as keys to continued economic development and job growth.

Airbnb will begin collecting and remitting the 6 percent state hotel occupancy tax May 1. Airbnb spokeswoman Laura Spanjian told San Antonio Express-News, "These agreements are a meaningful revenue boost for communities and we hope to reach similar agreements with cities around Texas soon." Read the full San Antonio Express-News article here.