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. Expand your tourism leadership impact by making plans to attend
2023 August Advocacy Roadtrips.
Get Advocacy Updates
Partners In Advocacy
Advocacy is necessary for the tourism industry, especially now in times of uncertainty. Southeast Tourism Society works hard to advocate for our members and industry partners,
but we need your help.
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.
Stay informed and connected about issues that impact
your community
Advocacy Toolkits and Resources
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…
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.
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.·
ECONOMIC IMPACT
OF TOURISM
Tourism powers economies at the state, local, and national levels in myriad ways. Provided here are economic impact reports from key segments of the tourism sector that document the benefits of tourism to communities.
National Parks
Visitor Spending Effects 2022 >>
National Park Visitor Spending
Read the Report >>
National Park Spending by
State and Park >>
National Heritage Areas Program Releases
2020 “By the Numbers” Annual Report >>
Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report >>
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Value to the Nation: Recreation >>