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Session: State Capitol, Room 427 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-4925 Fax: (907) 465-3517 Send E-Mail Interim: 112 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: (907) 486-4925 Fax: (907) 486-5264 PO Box 795 Craig, AK 99921-0795 Phone:(907) 826-3008 Fax: (907) 826-4020 Home Phone: (907) 826-2930 |
Trade Association Would Promote Tourism
For Immediate Release: April 26, 1999
Contact: Jeannie Smith, Legislative Aide to Senator Jerry Mackie, at (907) 465-4925.
Juneau -- The Senate Monday passed a measure that would eliminate the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council and turn the task of promoting the state's visitor industry over to a qualified trade association.
"This is a consensus bill that has the full support of those we worked with in the visitor industry," said Senator Jerry Mackie (R-Craig). Mackie Chairs the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, which sponsored Senate Bill 107. "In fact, they are excited by the possibilities the measure opens up for the tourism industry in Alaska.
Under the proposal, all tourism marketing functions currently performed by the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council and the Alaska Division of Tourism would be consolidated and performed under a contract with a single qualified trade association.
"That will put all the state's promotional efforts under one umbrella," explained Mackie. "I think this will be a big plus for the state and for the tourism industry. It helps us to combine all our promotional forces for maximum effect."
Senate Bill 107 is one of several bills introduced by the legislature that will change the way Alaska does business. The Senate Republican-led Majority has pledged to restructure and streamline government as part of its long-range fiscal plan to address the state's $1 billion fiscal gap.
SB 107 now goes to the House for consideration.
Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the
Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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