STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
FY24/25
INTRODUCTION
Tourism plays a vital role for the Springfield and Greene County economy, with $978 million spent annually on tourism-related activities in FY23. The industry supports 18,106 jobs in Greene County alone, highlighting its significance to the local workforce. Additionally, the tourism sector generates $144.9 million in hotel revenue, further underscoring its impact on the region’s economic vitality.
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is actively engaged in legislative and advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing Springfield and Missouri’s tourism industry. By working closely with policymakers and stakeholders, the SCVB strives to develop favorable legislation and secure funding that supports tourism growth. These efforts are focused on improving infrastructure, expanding marketing initiatives, and fostering industry partnerships. The goal is to boost tourism across the state, thereby generating a significant increase in economic impact that benefits all of Missouri.
FY24/25 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
• AMATEUR SPORTS TAX CREDIT PROGRAM RENEWAL & EXPANSION
• MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM BUDGET
• MEET IN MISSOURI PROGRAM EXPANSION
• NEW SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION CENTER FUNDING
• MISSOURI ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FUNDING
• TOURISM IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS LEGISLATION
• MISUSE OF HOTEL TRANSIENT GUEST TAX
AMATEUR SPORTS TAX CREDIT PROGRAM RENEWAL & EXPANSION
Continue and expand this proven, performance-based tax credit program, which is regionally equitable, delivers a positive return on investment, and will ensure Missouri is well-positioned to compete in the highly competitive sports market.
• The Amateur Sports Incentive Tax Credit is a financial incentive for Sports Commissions and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to attract major out-of-state amateur sporting events to Missouri. This program has been instrumental in Springfield securing several large sporting events, including the NAIA Softball World Series, USA BMX Show Me State Nationals, and the USA Ultimate Ozarks Conference Championships.
• Additional Opportunity - Revise the language specific to this program to enhance funding levels and more significant opportunities for Springfield.
MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM BUDGET
Support funding for the Division of Tourism at, or above, the Governor’s FY 2025 level.
• The Missouri Department of Tourism plays a pivotal role in stimulating tourism, which substantially bolsters the state’s economy through revenue generation, job creation, and support for local businesses. Beyond their successful marketing, promotion, visitor experience, and development initiatives, their robust cooperative program further supports local Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) by enhancing their effectiveness and outreach. This program has proven invaluable to Springfield, markedly expanding our marketing reach and increasing visitor numbers.
• Additional Opportunity - Explore and reimagine previous funding models to work toward a dedicated funding mechanism for the Division of Tourism to provide consistent travel industry promotion.
MEET IN MISSOURI PROGRAM EXPANSION
Similar to the Amateur Sports Tax Credit program, continue and expand this proven program that is regionally equitable and delivers a positive return on investment. This program will help ensure Missouri is well-positioned to succeed in the highly competitive meetings market.
• The Meet in Missouri program was passed by the Missouri General Assembly in May 2016 and became effective on August 28, 2016. Since then, it has received sporadic funding, the latest being $1M during FY2025. The program is a financial incentive for DMOs to attract major out-of-state conventions to Missouri. This program has significantly benefited Springfield by attracting several groups that previously would not have considered the city, including the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club, the American Baptist Association, and the American Bell Association.
• Additional Opportunity - Explore reworking language specific to this program to achieve greater success with our legislative body.
NEW SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION CENTER FUNDING
Explore opportunities for state funding for the construction of a new convention center in Springfield.
• To bolster Springfield’s position as a premier destination for large-scale events, legislative and state financial support is essential for constructing a new convention center. This center will attract national and international conferences and stimulate local economic growth by generating jobs and boosting tourism. State funding will enable the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensuring Springfield can compete with other cities and accommodate a growing number of events. Financial backing from the legislature will demonstrate a commitment to regional development and help secure a strong return on investment for the local economy and the state.
MISSOURI ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FUNDING
Continue and increase the funding of the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission.
• The Route 66 Centennial offers a unique chance to showcase Springfield as the birthplace of Route 66 to a global audience. Over the past two years, the Route 66 Centennial Committee has secured $1 million for initiatives celebrating the centennial. As the origin point of Route 66, Springfield is in an exceptional position to leverage this opportunity fully.
TOURISM IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS LEGISLATION
Currently, in Missouri, there is no legislation allowing for the creation of a Tourism Improvement District (TID). Explore the creation of new legislation allowing the formation of TIDs.
• Today, TIDs are at the front and center of destination marketing. The 160 districts across the globe raise $312 million each year for destination marketing. The economic impacts are nearly incalculable. From hotel revenue that fuels job creation to tax revenue, visitors spend at attractions, restaurants, and traveling – the impacts are endless. One study found that for every dollar a TID raises, there is a $70 return for the economy. Consider that $70 economic return – and the $312 million spent by TIDs – and you get a global economic return of $22 billion.
MISUSE OF HOTEL TRANSIENT GUEST TAX
Educate legislators to prevent the ongoing misuse of the Missouri Hotel Transient Guest Tax by ensuring it is not diverted for unintended purposes across communities.
• Legislative intervention is vital for preventing the misuse of hotel transient taxes, which are crucial for funding local tourism promotion and marketing efforts. These funds must be used solely for their intended purposes—such as promoting tourism, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting community development. Legislators can safeguard these revenues from being diverted to unrelated expenditures by implementing strong oversight and clear guidelines. This support will help maintain the integrity of funding mechanisms and ensure that hotel transient taxes continue to benefit the community and drive local economic growth.
ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES OF IMPORTANCE TO OUR TOURISM INDUSTRY
INCREASING AIRPORT LIFT AND TERMINAL EXPANSION
Improving accessibility to Springfield is crucial for the continued growth of our tourism industry. The Springfield airport serves as a critical gateway to our community. Enhancing its capacity through increased flight options and terminal expansion will create more opportunities to attract new visitors to Springfield.
LAKE SPRINGFIELD AS AN ATTRACTION
According to a recent study by the City of Springfield, redeveloping Lake Springfield offers significant tourism and quality-of-life benefits. However, the lake’s water quality falls short of the required standards. Legislative action is needed to address these issues and enhance the lake’s potential as a national and regional attraction.
BIKE TRAIL EXPANSION IN SPRINGFIELD AND THE REGION
Significant progress has been made in connecting bike trails throughout Springfield. Completing and expanding these trails will offer numerous tourism benefits and enhance regional recreational opportunities.
INCREASED FUNDING FOR I-44
I-44 is a crucial corridor running through Springfield. Upgrading infrastructure and expanding the road to increase capacity are essential for supporting our tourism industry.