Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
State governments have enacted many laws and regulations affecting tourism. Examples are
organizations for promotion, transportation, food products, restaurant inspection, licensing boats,
and many others.
PhotobySouthDakotaTourism.
State
Traditionally, states have promoted tourism as a tool for economic development. In most states, a
tourism of
ce has been established by statute and charged with the orderly growth and development
of the travel and tourism industry in the state.
State tourism of
ces
conduct programs of
information, advertising, publicity, and research relating to the recreational, scenic, historic, highway,
and tourist attractions in the state at large.
Each of the 50 states has a government agency responsible for travel development and promotion.
Most states have one agency responsible; however, Massachusetts has three entities. The Of
ce
of Travel and Tourism is complemented by the Massachusetts International Trade Council responsible
for international tourism and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority responsible for
attracting conventions and events to the state. Texas has two entities devoting funds and resources
to tourism development.
Hawaii and Alaska operate a little differently from other states in that the Hawaii Tourism
Authority and the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development contract out to
private organizations the handling of the marketing and promotion responsibilities. The majority of
states house their tourism of
ces in a department of economic development (or commerce).
Community
Most communities have also recognized the importance of tourism and have established convention
and visitors bureaus.
In many smaller communities, the
chambers of commerce
or
resort
associations
perform this function. Larger cities now own the central convention facilities. A great
deal of promotion and sales effort is then devoted to backing these facilities.
Community tourism of
ces appear to have a long history. The
first tourism of
ce in France was
created in 1875, in the town of Gerardmer, followed by Grenoble in 1889. In the Netherlands, the
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