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Local Resort Owners Tell Vos, Legislators Tourism Issues

marinette.uwex.edu

Rhinelander resort owners had a chance late last week to bend the ear of some of the state's top legislators on tourism issues.

Thursday, Assembly Republicans toured forest products facilities in the area, then stayed overnight in Rhinelander. The next morning, Kim and Kari Zambon of Holiday Acres spoke with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and other legislators about some issues affecting tourism. Kari Zambon says she hopes the legislature can do something about people renting out their Northwoods property to strangers and not having to do what traditional lodging establishments must do, a practice she says has been spurred on by social media...

"....(Internet business) and individuals who are renting their homes and cottages, but not being properly insured, not being inspected and also not collecting sales and room taxes...."

Kari Zambon says she wants the legislature to retain the earliest schools can start at September 1. She says starting school earlier cuts back on a prime summer month for vacations...

"....August is still one of our prime times and we need to have people come to the area in our prime time. If schools start earlier, then sports start earlier and it all keeps working its way back...."

She says it's critical to make sure Room Tax money collected at lodging establishments statewide is used for the purpose intended. She also says Wisconsin should adopt tourism-styled license plates, effectively advertising Wisconsin around the country.

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