To the Editor:
The tourism industry is fueling economic recovery in Massachusetts by generating $18.5 billion in direct spending and more than $1.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2013 (most current data). In fact, in 2013, with the $291,000 allocated from the state in hotel tax revenue, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional Tourism Council generated $128 million in expenditures, and returned $4.8 million to the state and $7.3 million in local taxes. And it’s important to note that these are not taxes paid by the people who live on Martha’s Vineyard. These are taxes specifically paid by visitors.
And Massachusetts’ tourism revenue is growing. In 2014, hotel-room revenue grew 10 percent.
For obvious reasons, tourism is a critical sector of the Martha’s Vineyard economy. But it’s also important for less obvious reasons, like driving business to non-tourism businesses like health care, real estate, construction, and retail. Without these important customers, all Island business suffers.
There are no accidental tourists; tourism is a highly competitive business, and Massachusetts must compete with other U.S. states. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut alone spend $112 million in destination marketing. Your Regional Tourism Council works relentlessly to position the Vineyard, and all it has to offer, in domestic, international, and niche markets, all without one dime of support from Island towns or the county.
The Chamber of Commerce/Regional Tourism Office promotes Martha’s Vineyard, without prejudice or boundaries, to a worldwide audience. When we go to bat for tourism funding, we’re supporting jobs on Martha’s Vineyard — jobs that are vital to our Island economy. Won’t you help by letting our legislators know that your job, your spouse’s job, your neighbor’s job matter?
Nancy Gardella, executive director
Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce/Regional Tourism Council