Advocacy Resource Center

Become an Advocate for Tourism

Learn how tourism impacts your community and state. Then, take action to become an advocate for tourism - it works for you and your community’s benefit.

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A Unified Voice for Southeast Tourism

One of the pillars of the Southeast Tourism Society is to serve as a unified voice on matters of legislation, public policy, and the future of the tourism sector. Through the leadership of the Board of Directors, State Advocacy Chairs, and the Advocacy Pillar Committee, the aim of STS’s public policy agenda is to advance travel and tourism as a driving force for economic growth and job creation, a vital partner for preserving the culture and history of the Southeast and showcasing the exceptional travel experiences of the region. See where STS has made strides in tourism advocacy goals.

Connect with Your Legislators
and Amplify Your Advocacy

Each election brings newly elected officials who need to be educated on the importance of tourism to the vitality of communities and the opportunity to engage legislators who have not yet connected on tourism issues. Proactively engaging legislators at the start of a new legislative term allow tourism leaders to build a framework for engaging on specific issues and developing tourism champions.

Advocacy is defined as speaking up and educating elected officials on the issues that matter. Many elected officials don’t understand that tourism doesn’t just happen. They need to be educated that an effective tourism program requires strong research, creative marketing, and targeted outreach.·

Find Your State Info…

State Advocacy Chairs, State Fact Sheets, and State Legislative Sessions
Find the Advocacy Chair for your state and start a partnership. Review your state fact sheet to discuss how tourism works, and learn how tourism impacts the economy of your state.

Advocacy Toolkits and Resources

National Issues, Local Impact:

Local Government Responses to 5 Election-Year Issues


Travel & Tourism Caucus

The mission of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus is to formulate a national policy that promotes domestic and international travel for leisure, business, student, and medical tourism. The bi-partisan CTTC  is co-chaired by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and  Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV).  Is your Representative a member of the Caucus?  Check here…

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