May 27, 2009
Today the Tucson City Council not only raised the hotel bed tax, but they also cut the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau budget: What are the unintended consequences:
1. Put local hotels at a competitive disadvantage with their competition outside Tucson. This tax will drive business outside the city limits and cause the city to lose not only bed taxes but sales taxes on business done outside our city limits. This is not fair. Who are they working for?
2. The $1.8M anticipated revenue will not be realized by adding this tax. At this time of economic stress, our visitors will do business elsewhere.
3. Jeopardize Spring Training and Youth and Amateur Sports.
4. Reduce marketing dollars to bring business to Tucson.
Tourism generates $2.3 Billion a year and now the Tucson will get less of that.
We still have time to let our voices be heard. Call or write Mayor and Council and let them know tourism is important to you.
|
Mayor Bob Walkup |
Robert.walkup@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4201 |
| Vice Mayor Regina Romero | Regina.romero@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4040 |
| Council member Rodney Glassman * | Rodney.glassman@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4687 |
| Council member Shirley Scott | Shirley.scott@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-3199 |
| Council member Steve Leal * | Steve.leal@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4231 |
| Council member Nina Trasoff | Nina.trasoff@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4601 |
| Council member Karin Uhlich | Karin.uhlich@tucsonaz.gov | (520) 791-4711 |