GOOD NEWS FUNDING

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors unanimously approved its $460 million budget for fiscal year 2026 that anticipates a 5 percent decline in room tax revenue and marketing and advertising expenditures of $168 million. President and CEO Steve Hill said most of the advertising based on next year’s new marketing campaign would be focused on attracting domestic travelers. Projections from the DMO that also manages the Las Vegas Convention Center are conservative in light of concerns that visitation to Southern Nevada will decline.

Washington Legislation Passes SB 5492 — Civitas says “Congratulations to the State of Washington on passing bill SB 5492,” now signed into law by the governor. This bill establishes a tourism advisory group to explore a self-supported assessment funding stream that would allow for sustainable funding to support state-wide tourism efforts. This results in the nation’s second statewide assessment district.

BAD NEWS FUNDING

A storm is brewing in Ohio’s tourism industry, reports Travel and Tour World News. “A proposed amendment in the state budget could pull the rug out from under convention and visitors bureaus in small but travel-heavy counties. If passed, the change would force counties that collect more than $500,000 in lodging tax to redirect two-thirds of those funds away from tourism and into other local needs. Local tourism leaders warn that this could cripple visitor bureaus, kill jobs, and unravel years of destination marketing efforts. The ripple effects could reach attractions like Cedar Point in Erie County and Hocking Hills in Southeast Ohio, and beyond—places that anchor the state’s reputation as a must-visit Midwest gem.” The amendment would apply to 11 counties with under 100,000 residents generating $500,000+ in lodging tax revenue. Only one-third of lodging tax revenue would remain with DMOs, with two-thirds rerouted to fund infrastructure, economic development, and public safety services including roads, sewer systems, water supply, and even county jail operations—facilities that local officials argue are overburdened by visitors.

CANADA CHIMES IN

“Canada, naturally.” is the short and simple new global messaging from Destination Canada. Travel Weekly reports, “The campaign highlights Canada’s understated appeal—its wide-open landscapes, inclusive communities, and everyday moments that feel extraordinary to visitors.” Informed by insights from Destination Canada’s 2030 Strategy: A World of Opportunity study, it targets travelers seeking authentic, unfiltered experiences. “‘Canada, naturally.’ is the perfect antidote to what people need right now,” said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy & CMO at Destination Canada.

AWARDS: VISIT NORTH CAROLINA & EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE

“For Real, Visit North Carolina” campaign with partner lūquire agency took home a Bronze Effie Award from Effie Worldwide. NC Director of Marketing & Communications Scott Peacock says a 301:1 ROI on ad-influenced visitor spending in the nation’s #5 most-visited state stands out as an effective business result recognized by the awards established in 1968.

Experience Kissimmee took home Silver from The Telly Awards, Introduced in 1979 to honor excellence in video and television, the awards have evolved to include branded content, documentary, and social media across all screens. The DMO joined forces with Southwest Airlines, Matador Network and travel creator Adam Boro to launch a bold, heartwarming campaign in which Adam hit the streets of Dallas and delights a family with an all-expenses-paid mystery trip—Destination: Kissimmee, Florida.

The result:
– 21.8M impressions
– 3.75M views
– 13K clicks
– 209K video completions

I ❤ NY

I LOVE NY has been around since 1977 and there’s still juice in those apples. A multifaceted summer tourism campaign has two ads featuring a new tagline – “New York State: Everything You Love.” Working with MMGY and Campbell Ewald, the ads run through August across New York State and in traditional drive markets including Canada. Distribution is via broadcast, streaming, and social platforms, plus the state’s largest mobile marketing tour ever. The new 30-second ads can be viewed here and here. 

YOU DON’T SEE ME

Visit Lake Charles, Louisiana launched a new campaign for National Travel and Tourism Week. #Always Here highlights the powerful role that visitors play in the local economy — supporting small businesses, fueling local jobs, and helping the community thrive year-round. 

CHILL OUT IN PALM SPRINGS

Visit Greater Palm Springs has launched a new summer marketing campaign. “For Those Born to Chill,” invites visitors to embrace their personal definition of chill—whether that means “Born to Play,” “Born to Splash,” “Born to Groove,” or “Born to Zen” or “Born to Taste.” (You get the idea.) Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, said, “It’s not just about what you can do here—it’s about how you’ll feel when you’re here – no matter how you chill, this is the place for you.” The campaign is running across digital, social, video, and connected TV platforms.

#WELOVELA

In Los Angeles, the 2028 Summer Olympics are three years away. To warm up, there are FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. However, “the Games will far exceed those other major events in scope, attendance, and duration,”reports The New York Times. The Games will cost close to $7 billion to stage, and are expected to draw more than 10,000 athletes and potentially millions of tourists, all of whom must be housed, fed, and transported to over 40 venues across the vast expanse of Greater Los Angeles. “The Olympics is hosting seven Super Bowls a day for 30 days,” said Casey Wasserman, chair of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee.