Accomplishments

Securing the largest general fund increase for marketing in the history of the Tourism Division
Passing local enabling legislation to allow communities to generate additional marketing revenue
Defeating the worst of the hunting legislation
Increasing the state lodging and meal reimbursements
Creating the tourism infrastructure grant program and securing funding for it
Securing millions in new money for tourism-related infrastructure
Passing legislation to allow rural businesses to have a tourism directional sign along the highway
Maintaining the Cultural and Heritage promotional dollars
Passing legislation supporting agritourism

During the 2021 Legislative Session, TAP and industry stakeholders successfully lobbied to assist in securing $7 million in tourism marketing funding and additional grant funding, including $2 million for travel agent and tour operator emergency resiliency grants and $2 million for event center emergency grants. More on the 2021 Legislative Session can be found in the final report.

During the 2021 Special Session, TAP lobbied for the passage of SB 2345, which appropriated $41 million in ARPA funds to the travel and tourism industry, including $15 million to the Department of Commerce for local workforce development, $10 million for state park projects and $5 million for local park district renovations.

More on the 2021 Special Session can be found here.

"Tourism is a vital and growing component in North Dakota's future economic efforts. TAP provides an invaluable leadership role allowing all industry components to focus on education, legislative issues and development."

~ Bill Shalhoob

Former TAP Chairman

"TAP provides an ongoing forum for industry members to network, address mutual problems, work with government, and increase their profitability"

~ Julie Rygg
Grand Forks CVB