Bill > H6001

This bill modifies the distribution of hotel tax revenue in Rhode Island, specifically redirecting funds previously allocated to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RICC). The bill removes the requirement that five percent (5%) of hotel tax from certain tourism districts (including Aquidneck Island, Statewide, and other districts) be paid to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and instead redirects that percentage to the RICC. Starting July 1, 2025, an additional five percent of taxes from specific tourism districts (New Shoreham, South County, Blackstone Valley) will be given to the RICC for tourism development, public art, and regional events. The RICC is required to spend an equivalent amount on promoting Rhode Island as a tourist and business destination each fiscal year. This change affects how hotel tax revenues are distributed among regional tourism districts, local cities and towns, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the RICC, with the primary goal of increasing funding for state-level tourism promotion and development efforts.

Budget and Finance

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