BILL REQ. #:  S-1310.2 

Read first time 02/13/2003.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development.

     AN ACT Relating to international tourism; and adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) International tourism is a growing sector that can provide Washington residents with jobs and local communities with needed revenues;
     (b) Contacts made through international tourism activities may yield future benefits in terms of future international investments in the state;
     (c) Current efforts to promote international tourism are too diffuse to yield significant benefits; and
     (d) A collaborative effort among state and local governments, tribes, and private enterprises can serve to leverage the investments in international tourism and trade made by each.
     (2) It is therefore the policy of the state to create a single entity to be known as the international tourism center to develop new, and expand existing, opportunities for international tourism and trade.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   There is created the international tourism center within the department of community, trade, and economic development. As used in this chapter, "center" means the international tourism center.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The center shall:
     (1) Provide targeted assistance to international tourism-related businesses, including:
     (a) Promotion of Washington state as a tourism destination; and
     (b) Market research and planning information;
     (2) Provide information to tourism businesses on the availability and benefits of international tourism opportunities;
     (3) Undertake and participate in marketing promotions to achieve expanded international tourism;
     (4) Coordinate with local tourism development efforts to maximize benefits; and
     (5) Develop an annual work plan. The plan shall describe actions and recommendations for developing markets for international tourism and related trade activities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   To carry out its responsibilities under this chapter, the center may:
     (1) Receive such gifts, grants, funds, fees, and endowments, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the center. The center may expend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments;
     (2) Initiate, conduct, or contract for studies and searches relating to international tourism;
     (3) Obtain and disseminate information relating to market development for international tourism from other state and local agencies;
     (4) Enter into, amend, and terminate contracts with individuals, corporations, trade associations, and research institutions for the purposes of this chapter;
     (5) Provide business and marketing assistance to public and private sector entities within the state; and
     (6) Evaluate, analyze, and make recommendations on state policies that may affect markets for international tourism.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The center shall solicit financial contributions and support from tourism-related industries and other private sector sources, foundations, tribal governments and enterprises, and grants from governmental sources to assist in conducting its activities. It may also use separately appropriated funds of the department of community, trade, and economic development for the center's activities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   Local governments may divert a portion of the revenue collected under local sales and use taxes on the sale of lodging to the center.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   Sections 1 through 6 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.