HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE & TOURISM February 6, 1994 10:30 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Jeannette James, Chair Representative Joe Green Representative Cynthia Toohey MEMBERS ABSENT Representative Terry Martin Representative Curt Menard Representative Jim Nordlund Representative Jerry Sanders COMMITTEE CALENDAR: Briefing by Mary Pignalberi, Department of Commerce and Economic Development. "WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DIVISION OF TOURISM?" WITNESS REGISTER MARY PIGNALBERI, Director Division of Tourism Department of Commerce and Economic Development PO Box 110800 Juneau, AK 99811 907-465-2500 POSITION STATEMENT: Briefed the Committee on the Role of the Division of Tourism ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 94-01, SIDE A Number 000 CHAIR JEANNETTE JAMES called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. The committee approved her suggestion that future meetings not be held on a regular schedule, but only as needed. She asked whether the committee wanted to meet with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute between March 28 and April 1? The answer was "Yes". MARY PIGNALBERI, Director for Division of Tourism, discussed the role of her division in Alaska, based on her perspective of nineteen years with the Division. She pointed out that the goals of the Division are stated in statute, and activities to implement these include Research in International and Domestic Markets, Visitor Services, Business Development and Assistance, and Product Development. MS. PIGNALBERI agreed to research answers to several questions asked by the committee: 1. Who hires employees in the Alaska Public Lands Information Centers: Department of Natural Resources or the Federal Park Service? Eight agencies cooperate, with some agencies making in-kind contributions and others making monetary contributions. The Division of Tourism contributes $140,000 per year. 2. Is the Aurora Sky-Fire Lodge, near Fairbanks, at Chatanika? The Division assisted in developing this business. TAPE 94-01, SIDE B Number 000 3. Who determines that overtime must be paid to employees who work at trade shows? MS. PIGNALBERI stated she thought it was the Department of Administration. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said she might be able to create legislation making an exemption for the Division or allowing the Division to contract these services. 4. How can rural tourism be developed? MS. PIGNALBERI said the Division is open to any feedback in this area. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES suggested holding two-day seminars to educate rural residents about tourism. MS. PIGNALBERI replied this is being considered, but the problem is one of defining "rural". REPRESENTATIVE TOOHEY noted the need to change the public's perception of rural waste disposal and toilet problems, which discourages rural tourism. 5. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES asked about the tourism industry providing money for highways, toilets, and other public facilities which tourists use, possibly through tourism licenses, taxes, or fees similar to those which other industries have to pay. REPRESENTATIVE TOOHEY pointed out that this could be a problem for small businesses who couldn't afford such fees. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES adjourned the meeting at 12:15 p.m.