ADVOCACY WORK

 
 

CalTravel’s experienced lobbyists work to increase the travel industry’s visibility at the state level while generating support for policies that protect and advance its interests. Through advocacy to the California Legislature, CalTravel addresses a host of issues that directly and indirectly affect our industry.

Because we maintain strong relationships with state lawmakers, we are at the forefront of these conversations and can influence bills as they make their way through the Legislature.

 

 

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES

 

Support legislation that would:

  • increase California’s competitiveness as a tourism destination 

  • protect the travel and tourism industry from unnecessary costs of doing business 

  • promote an equal playing field for fair competition in a rapidly changing industry

 
 

Oppose legislation that would:

  • impede visitation

  • negatively impact visitor spending

  • unfairly burden tourism related businesses

 

 

2025 ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS

 
 

Set attendance record for annual Tourism Advocacy Day; 105 members met with 92 legislators & staff

Screened and/or read over 2,350 bills to determine impacts on industry; tracked 91 & positioned on over 20

 
 

Served as lead witness on several bills & gave expert testimony in multiple committees

Coordinated a legislative informational hearing on the current outlook of California’s tourism industry

 
 

Had 5 bills we supported signed by the Governor

Helped stop 7 bills we opposed from reaching the Governor’s desk

 
 
VIEW 2024 BILL OUTCOMES
VIEW 2025 BILL OUTCOMES
 

 

ADVOCACY PROCESS

 
 

ADVOCACY DECISIONS ROADMAP

We often get asked how we decide whether or not to engage on certain policy issues. The answer is: the issue must meet the criteria of our Advocacy Decisions Roadmap. If you have an issue you’d like us to tackle, please reference our roadmap to see if it qualifies for engagement.

View Roadmap >>

 
 

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The GRC promotes the mission of CalTravel through engagement in the public policy development process on behalf of its membership. The Committee sets legislative priorities, reviews policy issues, and recommends positions on legislation relevant to its mission.

Request to Join GRC Waitlist >>

 

 
The hospitality industry ranks in the top industries driving the California economy. We need a voice at the table with our elected officials. CalTravel provides the opportunity to make our voices heard.
— Mark Hemstreet, Executive Director, Destination Lancaster