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Dear Members and Friends,
As we navigate through a non-legislative session year (the Interim), our team at TTA is continuously engaging with industry partners, members of the legislature, and the Governor’s office, working for the best interests of the travel and tourism industry across the state of Texas.
The Texas Travel Alliance, as the premier voice for our industry, is steadfast in its commitment to serving you, our valued members. We’re not just navigating the currents of change; we’re steering towards a future where our industry remains robust and dynamic.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION: In late June, the Governor’s office released draft recommendations regarding changes to the Events Trust Fund and the Major Events Reimbursement Program. As part of the explanation from the Governor’s office on the draft rules, it states, “As part of its review under Section 2001.039, Texas Government Code, the Office determined Chapter 184, concerning Sports and Events Trust Fund (the "Program"), should be repealed and replaced in its entirety with new rules that are substantially similar, but that have been reorganized for comprehensibility and readability, and from which unnecessary or outdated language has been removed."
The legislative team at TTA is currently engaged in a thorough analysis of the proposed modifications to these programs. We are gathering and compiling additional information and your collaboration is essential. We ask that you provide your stories detailing the positive influences these programs have had within your communities. Your testimonials are invaluable and will be integrated with existing data to demonstrate each programs’ efficacy. Please submit your information here.
Our legislative team has also recently been actively engaging with the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development (NRED) Committee. On June 13th, a pivotal committee meeting unfolded, focusing on the hotel occupancy tax—a cornerstone of our advocacy. The goal of the committee meeting was to bolster accountability and transparent in the use of these vital funds. Amanda Garcia, Chief Public Affairs Officer for TTA, delivered testimony before the NRED committee to emphasize the principle of the hotel occupancy tax’s intended purpose. Our message was clear: these funds are a lifeline for marketing and community enrichment, not a stopgap for unrelated budgetary needs.
UNWAVERING SUPPORT: Post-hearing, our legislative team reaffirmed to the Committee Director our unwavering support for the proper allocation of hotel occupancy taxes. We’ve also initiated dialogues with two Senators to explore solutions for their expressed infrastructure challenges, advocating for alternatives that don’t compromise the HOT intended use.
Additionally, the Texas Travel Alliance team is engaging in and monitoring other legislative interim committee charges, such as property tax relief, escalating costs in insurance premiums, enhancing workforce productivity, and transportation funding. Read the complete 2024 Mid-Year Legislative Summary.
LOOKING AHEAD: We stand at the cusp of opportunity, ready to delve into solutions for water and road infrastructure that align with our shared vision, while continuing to work to protect the hotel occupancy tax and engage in other key issues such as the Events Trust Fund and Major Events Reimbursement Program changes on behalf of our members.
Your support fuels this journey, and together, we’ll continue to champion the interests of our industry and the communities and businesses we serve. Thank you for being the heartbeat of the Texas Travel Alliance. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Warm regards,
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