FUNDING FOR TOURISM MARKETING AND PROMOTION.   The travel and tourism industry generates more than $15 billion in annual NC sales.  To maintain and expand this vital sector of our economy, NC must invest substantially more in marketing our state to regional, national and international travelers.  Currently, our investment (the advertising and marketing appropriation to the Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development) lags behind that of our competitor-states.    Tourism creates jobs, promotes economic development and contributes over $1.2 billion each year in state and local taxes.  Studies show that state investments in tourism advertising and marketing not only repay themselves, but are major net revenue generators for both state and local government.  The Coalition will urge the General Assembly to continue and expand its critical investment in marketing and advertising NC as a destination for business and pleasure travelers.    

LOCAL OCCUPANCY TAX POLICY.   All new and revised occupancy taxes should be dedicated to the promotion of travel and tourism, which was the original purpose of such taxes.  The Coalition will oppose all new and revised room taxes that fail to meet this standard as set forth in the Coalition’s current Local Occupancy Tax Policy.  The Coalition supports the uniform enforcement of local occupancy laws in a manner that maintains consistency with the collection by the Department of Revenue of state sales taxes on “gross receipts derived from rentals of rooms and accommodations.”  

OPPOSE OTHER TAXES TARGETED AT TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY.   The travel and tourism industry is willing to bear its fair share of the cost of government, but we oppose taxes targeted at our industry alone.  The Coalition will continue to oppose taxes, such as admission taxes and meals taxes, that are targeted exclusively at the travel and tourism industry.

OPPOSE DELEGATION OF TAXING AUTHORITY.   The Coalition believes the General Assembly must preserve the state’s tax base to meet statewide needs, and must maintain fair and consistent tax policies throughout the state.   No new local tax should be imposed without passage by the General Assembly of specific authorizing legislation.   The Coalition will oppose legislation that delegates to local government the power to impose taxes on components of the travel and tourism industry without prior legislative authorization.

OPPOSE PUBLIC FUNDING OF LODGING FACILITIES THAT COMPETE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.  The Coalition believes that the public sector should not fund the development of lodging facilities that compete with private sector hotels and lodging facilities.  

SUPPORT CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR TICKET RESALES OVER THE INTERNET.  The Coalition supports legislation that protects consumers by regulating the resale of concert and sporting event tickets over the Internet.  

SUPPORT EXISTING SCHOOL CALENDAR LEGISLATION.  The Coalition supports the existing North Carolina law requiring schools to begin in late August – the traditional time for back-to-school.  Studies show that starting school in late August produces as much as $1 billion each year in economic growth through increased tourism-related sales.    A majority of other states have late August start dates, with no discernable impact on student learning or test scores.

MAINTAIN AND EXPAND THE TOURISM MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM.  The General Assembly created the Tourism Promotion Grants (Tourism Matching Grants) to enhance economic growth through tourism promotion and marketing in rural and economically distressed areas of the state.  Funding for this program has not increased in many years.  The Coalition believes that expansion of this program will prove to be a wise and productive investment by the General Assembly.

REINSTITUTE THE RURAL TOURISM GRANTS PROGRAM.  The General Assembly established the Rural Tourism Development Grants program to support tourism development projects in rural areas.  While the legislation establishing this program is still in place, the General Assembly has not funded the Rural Tourism Development Grants since 2000.  Re-establishment  of this funding on a recurring basis is critical to tourism development in rural areas of the State. 

SALES TAX REFUNDS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES.  The Coalition supports legislation to add tourism development authorities (TDAs) to the list of local public agencies exempt from State sales tax.  Such an exemption will allow TDAs to reinvest more funds into marketing and promotion, an investment that generates substantial tax growth for state and local governments.

PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT.   The travel and tourism industry depends on the voluntary choices people make to come here.  Many visitors come here because of our beautiful and clean environment.  If we spoil our clean air and water, litter our scenic highways, and allow North Carolina to develop a reputation for environmental neglect, this industry and the hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who depend on it will suffer greatly.   The Coalition will continue to support initiatives of the General Assembly and the Administration to find prompt and effective remedies for these problems.

MISSION STATEMENT.   The North Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition is a nonprofit trade association comprised of associations, businesses, industries, resorts, attractions, convention and visitor bureaus and other organizations throughout North Carolina, all working together to promote public policies that encourage the growth and development of North Carolina's travel and tourism industry.

Chairman of the Board of Directors: Mr. Doyle Parrish
President, Summit Hospitality Group, LLC

PO Box 447 • Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
Telephone: (919) 821-6698 • Fax: (919) 821-6800
Email: info@ncttc.com

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“Building a Partnership Between the Travel Industry and Government”
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