NCTIA has a long history of active involvement in public affairs including a strong voice in lobbying efforts to protect and benefit North Carolina 's tourism industries. In March of 1994, NCTIA spun off its public policy agenda and founded the North Carolina Travel & Tourism Coalition, which for over a decade has monitored and defended good occupancy tax legislation.

The Coalition established tax guidelines that are generally accepted by the industry and the North Carolina House Finance Committee. These guidelines suggest that tax revenue collections should be reserved for marketing, which obviously helps hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers build their businesses.

The NCTIA board of directors believes that our organization must stay involved in taxation issues, plus support other issues to help develop a stronger tourism economy. That is why the NCTIA Executive Committee reestablished its Legislative Council which will work to encourage positive legislation that goes beyond establishing local occupancy tax policy and the limited number of issues managed by the Coalition. The Legislative Council will help spearhead this important new direction for the association and the tourism industry.

There are three issues the Legislative Council will be asked to consider during the 2008 Legislative Session:

1. Oppose changes to the current school calendar law
   
   
2. Support of a sales tax refund for TDA's
   
   
3. Support of legislation that would define the definition of gross receipts for occupancy tax purposes
   
   

Would you like to support these issues and help provide direction for the future? Here's how:

Be a member of NCTIA's Legislative Council - As a major contributor to the advocacy effort, you will participate in the Legislative Council, a committee that focuses on good public policy for the tourism industry. You and your fellow Council members will help structure NCTIA's legislative agenda and make a final recommendation to the NCTIA Board of Directors. You will assist the Legislative Tourism Caucus advisory committee and help educate legislators on the tourism industry by attending legislative breakfasts. You will also receive four tickets and exhibit space at the Tourism Day Extravaganza. Booth space will be made available in the Legislative Building on Tourism Day and premium positioning will be provided at the Legislative Reception that evening. You will also be listed as a Tourism Advocacy Supporter at the bottom of the NCTIA's weekly Legislative Reports.

Cost for Participation - $4,000.00

Be a NCTIA Advocacy Supporter - Not everyone can afford the $4,000.00 to be a member of the Legislative Council, but many want to support NCTIA's advocacy efforts and still be recognized as a tourism leader. As an Advocacy Supporter you receive exhibit space and four tickets to the Tourism Day Extravaganza, plus official recognition in the Tourism Day program. Booth space will be made available in the Legislative Building on Tourism Day and premium positioning will be provided at the Legislative Reception that evening. You will also be listed as a Tourism Advocacy Supporter at the bottom of the NCTIA's weekly Legislative Reports.

Cost for Participation - $1,000.00

For more information contact

Vince Chelena
NCTIA Executive Director
704-333-3234