CT SB01024

Establishes three regional tourism districts in Connecticut (eastern, central, and western) to promote and market regions as leisure and business traveler destinations.

Each district shall be overseen by a board of directors with one representative from each municipality (appointed by the legislative body) plus up to 21 additional members representing tourism interests, serving three-year terms.

Requires each regional tourism district to comply with uniform accounting and reporting standards established by the Department of Economic and Community Development and submit independent annual audits by January 1st each year.

Districts must apply Freedom of Information Act provisions, adopt charters and bylaws, solicit private funds for tourism promotion, and coordinate with private nonprofit tourist associations.

Authorizes each regional tourism district to establish and administer matching grant programs for tourism businesses, destinations, and not-for-profit arts and culture organizations that have received private marketing funds.