New Hampshire lawmakers cut $7M from tourism marketing budget amid budget discussions

During a recent meeting of the New Hampshire House Finance Division, lawmakers discussed significant budget cuts that could impact the state's tourism promotion efforts. The proposed amendment to suspend $7 million annually from the budget allocated for promotional marketing by the Division of Travel and Tourism raised concerns among representatives about the potential effects on the local economy.

The discussion highlighted that while the cut would reduce the tourism promotion budget from $12 million in 2024 to $6 million by 2026, the division would still retain approximately $4 million for similar marketing purposes. However, representatives expressed apprehension about the implications of such a reduction, particularly given the importance of tourism to New Hampshire's economy. One representative noted that local chambers of commerce have voiced concerns, emphasizing that tourism is a vital economic driver for the state.

Some lawmakers argued that the state’s tourism market is already saturated, citing high occupancy rates during peak seasons, which led them to view the budget cut as manageable. Others, however, pointed out the interconnectedness of tourism marketing and support for small businesses, suggesting that cuts to tourism funding could indirectly harm small enterprises that benefit from increased visitor traffic.

The meeting also touched on the funding for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is separate from the tourism budget. Some representatives expressed a desire to ensure that small businesses receive adequate support, especially in light of the proposed cuts to tourism marketing. They discussed the possibility of reallocating funds to bolster the SBDC, which has received numerous requests for funding from local business owners.

As the House Finance Division continues to deliberate on the budget, the outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism promotion and small business support in New Hampshire. The decisions made in this meeting reflect broader community goals of sustaining economic growth and supporting local businesses in a challenging fiscal environment.