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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jewell Williams
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Williams' measure expanding Philadelphia tourism passes the House
HARRISBURG, June 23 – The House of Representatives passed a bill (H.B. 2167) today introduced by state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., that would help Philadelphia expand the city's tourism outreach and increase funding for efforts to expand the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Williams' proposed Philadelphia Hospitality Promotion Tax would allow the city to implement a tax of up to 1.5 percent on hotel room rentals. Revenue generated by the tax would be deposited into a special account used to fund direct tourism advertising for the city, fund promotion of the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, and provide routine maintenance and upkeep of the convention center.
"I am pleased my colleagues in the House voted in support of my bill, which would provide a serious boost for the hospitality industry in Philadelphia," Williams said. "Philadelphia has come a long way in marketing itself as a destination city, and rightfully so. We offer historic landmarks, first-class dining, competitive sports teams and unique neighborhoods that appeal to everyone. My proposal would fund extensive promotion of the many great things this city has to offer."
Williams said the convention center expansion will provide a significant boost to both the local and state economy.
"The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be an asset to all of Pennsylvania," Williams said. "We'll be able to host more conventions and tradeshows, which ultimately result in more tax revenue for Pennsylvania and thousands of hospitality and construction jobs for Pennsylvanians. It also will attract more visitors to the city who will spend money in Pennsylvania."
Once expansion is completed, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which first opened in 1993, will be able to accommodate the largest conventions and tradeshows, and host two major conventions simultaneously. The expansion project will more than doubling the building’s current size.
The bill now goes before the Senate for consideration.
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