Rep. Kim Rose Joins Community Leaders for Tourism Advocacy Day

From Connecticut General Assembly: State Representative Kim Rose (D-Milford), a member of the Tourism Caucus, joined colleagues legislators and community leaders today to kick off Tourism Advocacy Day in support of increasing the state’s commitment to tourism.

“Tourism increases job opportunities and brings revenue to state,” Rep. Rose said. “Funding for tourism has increased, but has not kept pace with surrounding states. We must establish a sustainable source of annual funding for tourism in Connecticut

Legislators discussed the issues and agreed on a number of things that would contribute to a more robust tourism industry in Connecticut:

• Hotels, restaurants, parks, local DMVs, airlines, theaters, museums, attractions, casinos and the boating community must work together to boost Connecticut’s tourism efforts
• There needs to be an increase in tourism funding to stay competitive with other states in the northeast. This fiscal year, New York has committed $69.5 million – an increase of $14 million – to promote its state as a tourist destination. If Connecticut does not further fund tourism Connecticut will lose revenue from Fairfield County and the rest of the state to New York
• Rhode Island has increased its tourism spending to $5 million from $750,000 - this may negatively affect Mystic Seaport.
• Tourism promises a 300 percent return on investment

“Dollars spent on tourism are always a good investment and earn a healthy return,” Rep. Rose added. “I will support all efforts to prioritize this worthy effort.”

Rep. Rose is serving her fourth legislative term. She is co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, House vice chair of the legislature’s Housing Committee, Assistant Majority Whip and a member of the Internship and Veterans Affairs Committees.

Photo courtesy of Connecticut General Assembly