This is of particular importance, members.  Please read:

Governor Brewer unveiled her proposed budget late last week, which provided ZERO dollars from the voter-approved tourism formula fund for the Arizona Office of Tourism.  The proposed budget also re-directs half of the Maricopa County Prop 302 funds to the state’s general fund and the other half for AOT operations and provides only Prop 202 funds (Indian Gaming) for AOT’s marketing initiatives. That would be a total budget of approximately $6 million – only a drop in the bucket compared to the tens of millions spent by our competitors.
 
While we certainly understand the dire straits that our elected leaders face in the current budget year, we cannot support this reduction to AOT or the re-direction of Prop 302 funds which are slated for Maricopa County-specific tourism marketing and efforts.  This is not the Legislative budget (which has not been released yet), so there is still opportunity for negotiation.
 
Now is the time to make a difference and we are leading the efforts, along with our industry partners, on behalf of our members to voice our industry’s position on this matter. We have participated in several meetings already and will have a few key strategies in our efforts, including  reigniting our letter-writing campaign, and appreciate any and all assistance that you can offer.

Debbie Johnson of the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association is coordinating responses on our behalf.  To get involved and/or start a letter-writing campaign in your area, please contact Debbie directly:

Debbie Johnson, CAE  |  President & CEO |  Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association
1240 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85014 | tel 602.604.0729 | fax 602.604.0769 | azhla.com

AABBI and AzHLA will continue to provide updates as they are received.

JEFF

Jeff DiGregorio, President
Arizona Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns
c/o The Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn
204 South Scott Avenue, Tucson, Az. 85701
(520) 670-9022
stay@RoyalElizabeth.com