Stonington to join tourism coalition
Stonington — The Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday night to support the efforts of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition, which will urge state officials to increase funding to promote tourism.
That funding has decreased in recent years and has resulted in the creation of the coalition, a group of businesses, trade groups and others who see tourism promotion as essential.
Coalition member Stephen Tagliatela, co-owner of the Saybrook Point Inn, told selectmen Wednesday that tourism, at $14 billion annually, is the third largest industry in the state and provides $1.6 billion a year in tax revenue.
In addition, while Connecticut promotion of tourism has declined, the neighboring states of New York and Rhode Island have greatly increased the money they spend on tourism promotion as they look to poach potential tourists from visiting Connecticut.
Tagliatela did not have to convince selectmen of the importance of tourism, as First Selectman Rob Simmons pointed out that 2.5 million tourists visit Mystic and other parts of town each year, spending money at attractions, restaurants, hotels and shops.
The coalition sees itself as an advocacy group that will point out the benefit of investing in tourism promotion to the General Assembly and state officials so “the state can get back in the game again” and compete with neighboring states.
The selectmen voted to join the group at a cost of $250 year, as long as Town Attorney Tom Londregan does not have any legal concerns about the town joining the group. The stipulation came after Selectwoman Kate Rotella pointed out the town cannot spend money to be a member of a political action committee. The coalition sees itself as an educational organization.
The town of Old Saybrook already is a member of the coalition through its membership in the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments. Because Simmons is the COG’s representative to the coalition, the town essentially will have two voices with the group.
Selectman Mike Spellman said anything that can be done to create jobs, boost tax revenue and increase the grand list is a no-brainer for the town.
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