HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2003

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                Trade & Economic Development

Title:  An act relating to international tourism.

Brief Description:  Promoting international tourism.

Sponsors:  Representative D. Schmidt.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Trade & Economic Development:  2/27/95, 3/1/95 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Van Luven, Chairman; Radcliff, Vice Chairman; D. Schmidt, Vice Chairman; Sheldon, Ranking Minority Member; Veloria, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Backlund; Ballasiotes; Hatfield; Hickel; Mason; Sherstad; Skinner and Valle.

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786-7392).

Background:   Tourism is an important component of the economic development strategy of the Cascadia region that includes British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.  Promotion of the Cascadia region through events, such as EXPO '86 and the Goodwill Games, have enhanced the region's draw as a designation spot with international tourists.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Forty thousand dollars is appropriated to develop a two-nation vacation joint marketing plan to enhance international tourism using the services of a nonprofit corporation.  The appropriation must be equally matched by the Port of Seattle and private sector groups and associations involved in tourism.

Fifty thousand dollars is appropriated to develop a feasibility study of infrastructure and logistical needs for the Cascadia region to host the 2004 or 2008 summer Olympic Games using the services of a nonprofit corporation.  The appropriation must be equally matched by the Port of Seattle and private sector groups and associations involved in tourism.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill replaces references to the Pacific Northwest region with Cascadia region.  The matching fund requirements are expanded to include private sector groups and associations involved in tourism activities and promotion.

Appropriation:  $90,000 from the general fund to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The impact of major events or tourism on the area's economy is positive.  Increases in arts and cultural events can be attributed to the success of the Goodwill Games and men's national basketball tournament.  The development of the two-nation vacation and summer Olympic Games complement each other.  The effort to attract the summer Olympic Games has just begun and will require a public and private partnership.  This gives use a start on those efforts.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  (Pro) Representative Dave Schmidt, Sponsor; John Miller and Bruce Agnew, Discovery Institute; and Bob Walsh, Bob Walsh Enterprises.