Newport And Bristol County Convention And Visitors' Bureau
Impact
The amendments articulated in HB 5665 are designed to clarify the powers and responsibilities of the Newport and Bristol County Convention and Visitors' Bureau. This includes the transfer of assets, rights, and responsibilities from the previous Newport and Bristol tourism and convention authority, thus consolidating the management of tourism-related activities under a single, structured entity. The proposed legislation aims not only to streamline operations but also to enhance accountability through annual audits by independent certified public accountants to oversee financial practices within the bureau.
Summary
House Bill 5665, introduced on February 17, 2023, proposes amendments to the existing laws relevant to the Newport and Bristol County Convention and Visitors' Bureau. The key objective of this bill is to enhance the operations and governance of the bureau by creating a public corporation separate from state government yet recognized as a governmental agency that serves the municipalities of Newport and Bristol Counties. The bill outlines the reconstitution of the bureau's board of directors and emphasizes the corporation's responsibility for promoting tourism in the region.
Contention
While the bill has received broad support during discussions, there have been notable points of contention regarding its impact on local control and the transparency of operations. Opponents raised concerns that consolidating tourism management under a central authority might reduce local input in decision-making processes related to tourism and economic development. Supporters counter that establishing a more unified structure would lead to better marketing and promotion efforts, thereby making the region more competitive as a tourist destination.
Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from the South County tourism district be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from regional tourism districts be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and adds that 5% of the hotel tax to the existing tax paid to the RI commerce corporation.
Removes the requirement that 5% of the hotel tax generated from regional tourism districts be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, and adds that 5% of the hotel tax to the existing tax paid to the RI commerce corporation.