The Public Affairs program diligently works to position CTTC as an industry leader offering expertise to media, industry, trade and government entities and advocating on behalf of tourism industry interests to bring about public policy and initiatives that benefit the California travel and tourism industry. As CTTC enjoys a good working relationship with California state government entities, as it is important that CTTC is in constant communications with the key governmental agencies that affect travel industry businesses.
It is critical to CTTC’s success that we understand the current policies and programs of state government that either directly or indirectly affect the travel industry and/or CTTC itself. CTTC’s work on the state level includes:
Tourism Statistics
CTTC continues to inform both state and local governments on the value of tourism revenues to local economies. Tourism is one of the top four economic drivers in every region of the state. In rural California communities, tourism is the number one revenue source for public and private sector entities alike.
Governor’s Missions
At no other time in history has California had a Governor with the presence of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Any time that the travel industry can take advantage of his tremendous star power to encourage consumers to visit California, it is critical that we facilitate that interaction. Although there have not been any missions identified for 2009-2010, CTTC has a contingency budget allocated in the event the Governor decides to undertake another business development mission.
Budget Tracking
CTTC tracks the California State budget as it relates not only to our sister State Office of Tourism Operations, but also the effects that budgetary policy may have upon CTTC stakeholders.
Business, Transportation & Housing Agency (BTH)
CTTC is responsible for delivering to BTH Secretary/CTTC Chair Dale Bonner a myriad of reports and briefings in addition to participating in a daily news briefing, a weekly action report, the BTH Directors meetings and reports, the Chief Deputy Director meetings, and the Communications/External Affairs meetings.
CalTrans
CTTC meets routinely with the California Department of Transportation regarding current efforts to rehabilitate and expand the Safety Roadside Rest Area System, specifically addressing system usage, capital improvement needs, recent project costs, and progress on efforts to utilize public-private partnerships to further enhance the system. With over 100 million consumers visiting these rest stops annually, it is important that the travel industry support any positive policy affecting roadside rest area issues.
Amgen Tour of California
The annual Amgen Tour of California has become the second biggest bicycle race in the country. CTTC works with a myriad of state agencies to facilitate permitting, safety, security, accommodations and an overall successful event that is seen by over two million spectators annually.
Thus far in 2008-2009, issues before CTTC staff have included, but are not limited to:
Governor’s Missions
CTTC participated in CeBIT, the world’s leading trade fair for digital business solutions and information and communications technology. California was selected as the Partner State for the 2009 event, which ran March 3-8, 2009, and included a California reception on March 3. The Governor participated, and CTTC assisted in the planning and development of a fantastic VIP night that will included key travel media and trade industry influentials.
Budget Tracking
CTTC developed a plan to deal with the current furlough policy imposed upon all state employees as it relates to the assessment program.
Amgen Tour of California
CTTC assisted with numerous aspects of the highly successful 2009 Amgen Tour of California, which drew millions of visitors, both on-site and to the Web site.