STUART, FL—The residents of Martin County, FL, recently voted in approval to impose a 2% “bed” tax to fund a comprehensive tourism marketing campaign. Starting Nov. 1 of this year, 2% will be added to room rates at every hotel, motel, bed and breakfast and other rental accommodations. The tax, proposed by the Martin County Tourist Development Council (TDC), is estimated to raise $655,000 in its first year and rise to $1.2 million by 2007. The bed tax will specifically fund an advertising and public relations program directed at primary and secondary tourism markets; grants up to $25,000 to no-profit organizations for the promotion of cultural, arts, entertainment, or sports programs that generate overnight stays in the county; a Tourist Information Center to be located near Florida’s turnpike and Interstate 95; tourism outreach efforts; marketing efforts directed at film, television production and photography industries; and administrative staffing expenses. The TDC, an advisory board made up of local business owners and established by the Martin County Commission, maintains that the focus of the marketing program will be to boost off-season business, as opposed to attract more tourist traffic in peak winter months. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 48 impose a bed tax to fund tourism and development. Martin County will be the 49th.
Previous ArticleBoston To Close Back Bay Convention Center?
Next Article Le Meridien Chicago Names New Sales Director