Bill > H2644

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Special Events Marketing Program, a dedicated fund within the Office of Travel and Tourism, to attract out-of-state and international visitors to Massachusetts. This program will be funded by two and a half percent of revenues collected from meals taxes and room occupancy taxes, which are taxes on food and lodging. The program defines an "out-of-state and/or international visitor" as someone traveling 50 or more miles one way to a Massachusetts destination or staying overnight. The program's activities will be coordinated with regional tourism promotion agencies to develop marketing and advertising plans, with specific guidelines for fund disbursement, including limits on public safety, security, and administrative expenses, and prioritizing new initiatives during slow tourism periods. Applicants must be registered 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 organizations, demonstrate a potential for significant visitor spending return on investment, and ideally secure private matching funds. Marketing efforts must focus on travel information related to the event, and applicants need formal partnerships with regional tourism agencies and regional collaborations for promotion. A seven-person advisory committee, including the executive director of the Office of Travel and Tourism and six members appointed by the Governor representing different regions of the state, will assist in reviewing grant applications, though the final decision rests with the department.