Conn. business say state’s tourism budget needs to be higher [Video]

Hospitality officials and small business owners in our state are pushing for more state spending on tourism and hospitality.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Hospitality officials and small business owners in Connecticut are pushing for more spending on tourism and hospitality.

“It was […] at a high water mark the last couple of years; it was 12 million now it’s going back to four and a half next year unless the legislature and governor decide to put more money back into it,” said Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the CT Restaurant Association.

According to data, the budget for tourism marketing has dropped from $12.2 million in 2022 to $4.5 million in 2024.

“The businesses here need their support and need those marketing dollars to be going to supporting our cities, our regions, and all the great businesses operating here in [Connecticut],” Melissa Melonson said. She owns Emery’s Sweets and Sodas on …

Tags Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Local Business, Marketing, Small Business Support