Juneau -- Representative Gene Therriault (R-Fairbanks) will introduce legislation Friday to privatize and consolidate the state's tourism marketing efforts. House Bill 136 is based on a plan brought forward by the tourism industry and is similar to legislation sponsored last session by the House and Senate Finance Committees.

"I was disappointed we were not able to get legislation passed last year," said Therriault. "We encouraged the industry to work with their membership and the Administration before coming back to the Legislature. The have worked diligently over the interim to address the concerns which held up our progress last year."

HB 136 repeals the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council and reduces the size of the Division of Tourism. It directs the division to award a contract to a single, qualified trade association. That association is required to provide a 30% match to the State's dollars in the first year of implementation. The match goes up to 60% in year three.

"The industry is coming forward with more of their own dollars," Therriault said. "Couple with efficiencies provided by consolidation in the Division of Tourism, the marketing efforts to bring more visitors to the state will be more effective."