SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 970

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 6, 1996

      The Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 970.

      This bill adds a representative of the eco-tourism sector of the tourist industry to the membership of the New Jersey Tourism Advisory Council. Currently the council has 17 members 11 of whom represent the lodging sector, the food service sector, the transportation sector, a regional tourism council, the convention and visitor bureaus sector, the tour/receptive services sector, the outdoor recreation sector, the historical and cultural arts sector, the entertainment or amusement sector, the marketing/research sector, and the financial community. Eco-tourism encompasses activities such as bird-watching, wildlife tours and whale-watching.

      This bill is identical to Senate No. 779, also favorably reported by the committee.