Scott Lunt, president of the Utah Hotel & Lodging Association, and Barbara Riddle, CEO of the Davis County Convention & Visitors Bureau, recently addressed a variety of travel issues. They were part of a panel from across the state featured in a Utah Business Magazine panel discussion and article.
"Nationally, in 2006, the industry as a whole did $25.2 billion in sales," Lunt said. "That is the highest it has ever done nationally. In 2007, they're projected to be at $29.7 billion. I think it is part of a rising tide. What we (Utah) have done has definitely enhanced what's going on nationally."
His comments mirrored the initial paragraph in the article, which spoke of a "booming national economy, an ad campaign touting Utah's attractions, bringing in more tourists," and record convention center bookings.
"I think more tourism individuals need to be at the table as it relates to growth and transportation, because it's all along the Wasatch Front," said Riddle about such concerns.
"The legislative session is something I get passionate about every year," she said. "There was a lot of legislation being drafted (this past session) that absolutely impacted our funding mechanisms for our convention and visitors bureaus.
"As tourism becomes more noticeable and we have continued success, it seems there are some even within our own industry who look at the funding and are looking for a way to generate guaranteed funding for their own organizations.
"I think this sets a dangerous precedence, really," Riddle said.
She was referring to the attempt by the Utah Restaurant Association to obtain state tourism tax dollars for a promotional campaign. It was defeated.
"HB 38 (restaurant association bill) came out of left field completely. It started out as a very innocent bill and turned into something that had a big impact on Salt Lake County," she said.
"For the first time, the Legislature has stepped in the decision-making process of where the counties are going to be spending the funding. As I sit back and see this happening, it makes m a little nervous each year."
Lunt noted that Illinois has budgeted $47.8 million for tourism. "It's just astounding to me that ours is only $11 million. I know that's way up from $900,000 (previously), but how do we get the message that, thank you, but we really need more?
"This industry is working together, working together like it has never, ever done before."
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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