BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - State and tourism officials in Western New York are pushing for the passage of a bill which could help the tourism industry recover after an abysmal year caused by the pandemic
The bill, introduced in the state senate by Tim Kennedy, would allow cities and towns to create "tourism recovery improvement districts". If the municipalities create it, it would allow hotels and other tourism businesses to create a new surcharge. The extra money collected would then be used for further promotion and improvements of local destinations such as Niagara Falls and The Martin House in Buffalo.
"This industry is critical to the economic well-being of our state and our community, no matter where you live," Kennedy said. "However, the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the tourism industry. Millions of foreign and out of state travelers, instead of spending their tourism dollars here in New York State, have instead been forced to suspend their vacation plans in order to control and limit the spread of the virus in their own countries and states."
Millions of dollars and thousands of people are without work due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of whom are in the tourism sector.
Kennedy said 16 other states have created similar bills.
"This legislation will ensure that our tourism industry recovers and grows as it should," Mary Roberts, Executive Director at The Martin House, said. "The hospitality industry is central to our regional economic development. Its recovery in the coming months and years is critical to New York State. Buffalo is a world-class destination. It's internationally recognized for its architecture, art, and many other things. These are the significant drivers that will bring visitors from outside the region into Buffalo-Niagara and the tourism revenues will directly enhance our city, Erie County, and New York State to a significant degree."
Businesses will create their own plan for the districts, including the boundaries for the district. If the bill passes, the businesses would create the surcharge. Kennedy said the bill does not allow government entities to siphon off some of the money collected through the surcharge.
"The real genesis of this bill is to support tourism and these businesses in the various districts that they exist," Kennedy said.
The bills are currently in the committee process.
Businesses would determine how much the extra fee is.