2002-11-11 Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting

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Proposal Regarding the formation of the San Jacinto Area Tourism Council Objective: The purpose of the San Jacinto Area Tourism Council (SJATC), a not -for -profit organization is to develop and market the tourism industry potential of the southeastern Harris county region which includes the communities of Ellington-Sagemont, South Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte and Morgan's Point. By jointly promoting the region through cooperative public/private partnerships as a single travel destination and by participating with other regional groups, the San Jacinto Area Tourism Council would benefit the participating communities by an increase in travel related revenue, an increase in employment related to the industry, a diversification of the economy of the region, an improvement in the quality of life of the communities and an improved image of the communities. Background: Tourism is the third largest industry in Texas. In 2000 travelers spent $40.4 billion and is estimated that it saved each Texas household $792 in taxes. The State of Texas organized a State Tourism Partnership to support the development and marketing of the tourism/tmvel industry in Texas. Participating members include: Texas Department of Economic Development (Tourism Division), Texas Historical Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Regional cooperation, called "Clustering" is encouraged as it increases the attraction of a region and allows for complementary functions. Each community makes a unique contribution to the whole region and increases the travel destination appeal of the area. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors' Bureau (GHCVB) is encouraging the formation of regional tourism groups and is providing matching funding to these organizations. NASA Clear Lake Convention and Visitors' Bureau was started in 2001. Organizations are being formed in the Montgomery County, Fort Bend County and Galveston County. These groups would jointly compete with such areas as Dallas-Ft.Worth, San Antonio -Austin, Panhandle, (South) Texas Coast Bend and the Southeast Texas Region for travel dollars spent in Texas. By joining with the GHCVB, SJATC would be marketed to a broader travel audience and thus increase its tourism revenue. As the prime Heritage/Historical region in the greater Houston area we can contribute and benefit from that association. Other benefits include improvement of our travel industry assets, education of travel related employees and organizations, historical preservation and a greater awareness of the cultural assets of our community to our citizens. David Pomeroy 8/19/02 Proposal2lp