Governor candidates rap Conn. promotion of tourism

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The three candidates for governor say state government does too little to promote tourism business and jobs.

Republican Tom Foley, Democrat Dan Malloy and independent candidate Tom Marsh told a standing room-only crowd of tourism industry executives and employees Wednesday that the state can do a better job promoting the state’s arts, beaches, state parks, museums and other attractions.

Lawmakers and Gov. M. Jodi Rell scaled back state grants for culture and tourism programs and the marketing budget was slashed to $1 to close a budget deficit.

The three candidates said the cuts are short-sighted and are leading to reduced tourist dollars spent in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism says culture and tourism account for more than $14 billion in economic activity and 170,000 jobs annually.