Tourism Leaders Participate in Legislative Roundtable with State and Local Elected Officials

Rochester, N.Y., March 18, 2016 –Tourism industry leaders from Greater Rochester today met with state and local legislative representatives for a roundtable discussion to discuss the important issues pertaining to the tourism industry.

Today’s Legislative Roundtable Reception was hosted by Visit Rochester, Rochester Hotel Association and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association. At this open forum, roundtable discussion format, members of the local tourism industry interacted directly with state and local elected officials and representatives.

Issues discussed reflected tourism and hospitality industry concerns and perspectives at both the local and state level.

Statewide issues discussed included:

  • Illegal hotels – leveling the playing field in the shared economy
  • $15 minimum wage and its adverse impact on employers and jobs
  •  Paid Family Leave proposal

 

Issues and topics of conversation specific to Rochester included:

  • Development and revitalization of downtown
  • Continued strength of meeting business
  • Introduction of legislation that designates part of the Rochester area as a craft beverage trail

 

“Every year we look forward to partnering with the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association and the Rochester Hotel Association to hold this event in Rochester,” said Don Jeffries, president and CEO, Visit Rochester. “The Legislative Roundtable provides an opportunity for Visit Rochester’s 400 plus members to engage directly with our elected officials, and reinforce what an economic asset the tourism industry is both regionally and statewide.”

“Today’s event was a perfect mix of discussing both state and local legislative topics that matter most to the tourism industry, and hearing about all of the great things the Rochester tourism community has accomplished over the past year, added Jan Marie Chesterton, president of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association. “The message this morning was positive, collaborative, and there is no doubt the vision for tourism both statewide and here in Rochester is a clear and the goals attainable."

“Today’s event was a perfect mix of discussing both state and local legislative topics that matter most to the tourism industry, and hearing about all of the great things the Rochester tourism community has accomplished over the past year, added Jan Marie Chesterton, president of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association. “The message this morning was positive, collaborative, and there is no doubt the vision for tourism both statewide and here in Rochester is a clear and the goals attainable.”

The opportunity to meet with legislators was embraced by the Greater Rochester community as tourism is big business in Monroe County. Tourism activities in Monroe County generated an economic impact of more than $1 billion dollars in 2014, according to Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, for the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division of Tourism. Further research results demonstrated that direct tourism-generated labor income was $310 million and accounted for 13,777 direct tourism jobs.  

About Visit Rochester

Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 400 members representing lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, we strive to provide the best experience to all visitors to our community, including both business and leisure travelers.

About Rochester Hotel Association

The Rochester Hotel Association is a not-for-profit trade organization representing member businesses and individuals in the lodging and hospitality industries in the Rochester and Monroe County areas.

About New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing nearly 1,100 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry.

 

 

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