Historically, Michigan's tourism industry consistently failed to speak with a common voice on issues of common need. In each tourism segment (hotels, golf courses, CVBs, campgrounds) pursuing only its own needs, we had allowed our diversity - which should have been our greatest strength - to become our greatest weakness.
MLTA has worked to identify issues around which there is broad industry support and then fight for these issues at the Capitol. Thanks to grassroots support of stakeholders throughout Michigan's lodging and tourism industries we've made impressive progress in recent years. Here's a partial list of what we've accomplished by working together:
- Post Labor Day Schools - In 2005 we led efforts to pass the law requiring all schools to open after Labor Day. Now we must remain vigilant, and prepared to fight to retain the additional vacation time this law provides Michigan families.
- Temporary Funding for Tourism Promotion - That same year we won an amendment that provided an additional $15 million in promotion funding. In 2008, we won a huge increase in tourism promotion funding. That new law will provide a one-time placement of $60 million in tourism and business promotion funding. As a result, those award-winning "Pure Michigan" ads will air on national cable TV from March 29th to mid June!
- Permanent Funding for "Pure Michigan" - In FY 2009 Michigan will invest a full $30M in "Pure Michigan," but unless we make that funding permanent, funding will drop to just $5.7M when Michigan’s new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2009. We must continue our fight to make such promotion increases permanent by passing SB 18, or any other alternative that provides $30 million in funding for Pure Michigan without new taxes, assessments, fees or surcharges.
- CO Detectors in all Hotel Rooms - In 2008 MLTA fought off well-intentioned but unnecessary legislartion that would have mandated placement of carbon monoxide detectors in all guest rooms - even those heated by electricity or hot water!
- Redefinition of "Continental Breakfast" - MLTA worked cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Agriculture to better define this term which once only included "coffee, donuts and rolls." The key was to protect public safety while expanding the list of allowable foods which do not require full licensure.
- Addressing the Potential Problem of Bed Bug Infestation - Until five years ago bed bugs had virtually been eliminated throughout the Americas and Western Europe. However, reductions in the use of pesticides allowed bed bugs to regain a presence in apartments, university housing, shelters, and some lodging properties. MLTA has taken a proactive role in providing information to all segments of our industry to reduce the potential spread of such pests. At the same time we're working against possible over-reaction by policymakers to ensure costly, and in many case needless laws and regulations are not imposed.
Your membership and active support makes efforts like these stronger!