July 19, 2010 – Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman, the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor, visited the Mystic Seaport and Aquarium this morning to discuss their plans for boosting Connecticut’s tourism industry. The pair said that a renewed focus on the industry will help grow jobs and invigorate our state economy.
“Connecticut’s tourism and hospitality industry is a major driver of economic activity,” said Malloy. “If we can make better targeted and more effective investment in this sector, it will pay our state back in countless ways. Connecticut tourism helps grow jobs, increases state revenue, and preserves the art and culture that makes Connecticut such a great place to work, live and raise a family.”
Added Wyman, “The puzzling decision by the current administration to eliminate Connecticut’s tourism-marketing budget is another example of why this state needs new leaders that know how to make intelligent, cost-effective investments that will help us attract visitors and create jobs. The Malloy-Wyman administration will not only revive our state's vital marketing budget, but will create a forward-thinking plan to use those dollars to spark economic recovery and lay a foundation for long-term prosperity.”
Tourism is a key segment of the Connecticut economy. It drives $9.3 billion in economic activity annually for the state, employs more than 64,000 people and generates an estimated $1.4 billion in revenue. Malloy and Wyman would support and strengthen that industry in the following ways:
- Proposing a $15 million budget for marketing the state, to be increased as a percentage of the hotel occupancy tax, as those tax returns increase, with a goal of matching those funds with an equal amount of private investment from attractions, hotels, businesses, developers and realtors.
- Engaging local Chambers of Commerce as key resources for marketing Connecticut and supporting the tourism industry.
- Using the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau as a model for managing tourism efforts statewide.
- Investing in transportation projects that tourism, such as making Shoreline East a practical solution for residents and visitors, and a refocused attention on making Bradley International Airport a more competitive New England hub.
In recent weeks Malloy and Wyman have travelled the state discussing how they will tackle the major issues facing Connecticut, including jobs, health care, energy, education and the environment. More information on those plans, and more, can be found at www.danmalloy.com/policy.
