Last week, the American Bus Association held a webinar addressing the proposed increase in fees for commercial use authorizations (CUA) from the National Park Service (NPS). We need your help in submitting feedback to Congress and other dignitaries in our region to stop this increase in proposals. Comments to the NPS are due July 29. 

It's imperative that when addressing your concerns, you not only mention the negative impact it will have on our economy, but your business. Commenting on the burdens imposed by the new program could potentially lead to additional changes in how the program is implemented. Here are some key points to include in your letter: 

• Recent policy changes announced by the NPS will drastically impact your company, which offers tours to XX number of visitors from around the world. 
• Your business may not be able to continue to operate should these new fees take effect because it will increase your fee to operate tours by more than XX percent. 
• Limited staff to monitor number of visitors entering the park since there are many entrances. 
• Decrease in tourism to our park. 

To view a sample letter, click here. If you were unable to join the webinar but would like to listen, click here. 

Comments may be filed by regular mail, email or by telephone by July 29. Be sure to reference this number in your comments - OMB Control Number 1024-0268.
 
Mail: Acting NPS Information Collection Clearance Officer
1201 Oakridge Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
 
Email: Phadrea_ponds@nps.gov
 
Telephone: 1 (970) 267-7213 
 
We also urge you to send a copy to your local dignitaries, below: 
 
Federal Elected Officials
The Honorable Patrick J. Toomey
U.S. Senate
258 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C.  20510
 
The Honorable Bob Casey
U.S. Senate
393 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
 
The Honorable John Joyce
U.S. House of Representatives
1337 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C.  20515
 
Lastly, copy Chad Reichard at Representative Joyce's Chambersburg office located at 100 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201-2291

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US News & World Report released its Best Vacation Destinations Rankings, which named Gettysburg the third best place to visit in Pennsylvania, fourth best historical city in the United States, eighth best relaxing getaway in the United States and twentieth in best cheap vacations in the United States.
 
"We already knew our destination appeals to travelers for many reasons, but this just is further proof of it," said Norris Flowers, President and CEO of Destination Gettysburg. "Gettysburg continues to evolve and provide many experiences for our visitors and we're pleased that we've been ranked four times in different categories that show our destination is an attractive place to many."
 
U.S. News Travel's Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type. U.S. News used expert opinions, user votes and current trends, in addition to evaluating sights, cultures, scenic beauty, food scenes and more to compile the list.
 
The rankings not only highlight Gettysburg's historical presence, but also as a town that boasts a multitude of relaxing and adventurous pursuits including horseback riding, spas, farmers markets, art galleries and boutiques.
 
To view more about Gettysburg's rankings, visit travel.usnews.com/Gettysburg_PA/.


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Do you or someone you know rent out a place on Airbnb, HomeAway, or one of the many other online home sharing booking systems? Then it's important to make sure that everything is in compliance with local and state requirements.
 
We continue to see the travel industry evolve and along with that has been the growth of online hosting platforms. Since travelers are important to our destination and we want to make sure that they have suitable accommodations for themselves and their family, it's important that we educate our members and businesses on the local and state requirements.
 
Some important things to be aware of include:

• Make sure your property is zoned to operate a short-term lodging business. You may need to present a request to your zoning hearing board if your locality is not zoned for rentals.
• Refer to our local government's website to find contact information for local townships, municipal zoning officer to confirm zoning.
• If your rental property is in a community with a Home Owners Association, check their regulations to make sure it is permitted.
• Short-term rentals must adhere to the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) that may require installation of sprinklers, emergency exits, fire escapes and alarm systems.
• Make sure you're charging the six percent state occupancy tax.
• You must register with the PA Department of Revenue for Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax 
• License (except Airbnb, which performs this service).
• Ensure you're collecting county/city room tax.
• Register your property with your county and city treasurer's office.
• Have proper insurance.
• Check your zoning for parking regulations.

If you'd like to learn more, please reach out to Crissy Redding at the Adams County Treasurers office at credding@adamscounty.us.