In addition to the Committee’s regular activities, the session of 2007-2008 focused on Hotel Tax (House Bill 1877), School Starting before Labor Day (House Bill 258), Promotion of Tourism (House Bill 2302), Pennsylvania Innkeepers' Rights Act (House Bill 1897 and issues regarding liability for landowners with recreational attractions (House Bill 1908).

The Tourism and Recreational Development Committee was also charged with studying the development of lodging facilities on State parkland pursuant to House Resolution 164 of 2007. According to House Resolution 164, tourism is Pennsylvania’s number two industry, supports 600,000 jobs and generates more than 25 million dollars per year. Despite 37 million travelers visiting Pennsylvania’s state parks annually, most of the jobs and traveler spending have occurred in urban and suburban areas. As a result, the House of Representatives directed the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee to study, evaluate and make recommendations regarding the establishment of overnight facilities and associated amenities on Commonwealth-owned lands and the impact these activities may have on the economy. The Committee was required to submit a report with recommendations by October 1, 2008 which is located in Box 2, Folder 8.

The Tourism and Recreational Development Committee was chaired by Democrat Thomas Tangretti. His fellow Democratic chairs this session included: Dante Sainato, Subcommittee Chair on Arts and Entertainment; John Pallone, Subcommittee Chair on Recreation; Ronald Buxton, Subcommittee Chair on Travel and Promotion; and Tony Payton, Secretary. The Republican chair and subcommittee chairs included: Jerry Nailor, Chair; Keith Gillespie, Subcommittee Chair on Arts and Entertainment; Richard Stevenson, Subcommittee Chair on Recreation; and Mario Scavello, Subcommittee Chair on Travel Promotion.