Overview

The tourism industry is a major source of strength for the state’s economy. Tourism is the fourth largest employer and fifth largest contributor to the gross state product. Nevertheless, the industry has suffered from some neglect by policymakers, especially in the budgeting process. State support for promoting tourism has historically been very modest, averaging about $5 million a year for the last 20 years.

Goals

• Encourage increased travel to California by fostering investment in advertising and improvements to tourism infrastructure, considering the important role of tourism in the state's economy and plans for economic recovery.

Major Victories

• Backed a tourism industry effort that won approval of legislation providing a significant boost to funding to market California as a travel destination (AB 2592), helping the fourth largest employers in the state compete with other states and nations in attracting travelers and the resulting revenues and jobs.

Position

The CalChamber will work with state and national tourism leaders to help identify a cost-effective way to streamline the visa process that protects U.S. borders while allowing freer access to U.S. and California tourist destinations.