To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
County Travel and Tourism Update and Partner Agency Reports
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a travel and tourism presentation from staff and other partner agencies;
2. Receive a marketing report and hear a 20-minute presentation from the Humboldt County Visitors Bureau (HCVB);
3. Receive a marketing report and hear a 20-minute presentation from the Humboldt Lodging Alliance (HLA); and
5. Direct staff accordingly.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund Transient Occupancy Tax (1100)
DISCUSSION:
Background
The travel and tourism industry is measured in part by the output of goods and services sold directly to visitors. This industry plays a significant role in Humboldt County's economy. Visitors to Humboldt County spend out-of-area dollars in local communities on lodging, food services, recreation, shopping, local transportation and other areas. This activity leads to many benefits including the preservation of livelihoods, economic activity and service delivery from public institutions.
To raise public funds for travel and tourism activities, jurisdictions often levy lodging fees, assessments and other taxes (such as Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT) which are imposed by cities, counties, and other jurisdictions in California.
According to a 2021 report by Prepared by Dean Runyan Associates (Attachment 1) titled, "California Travel Impacts by Assembly District," every $100 of visitor spending results in $5.50 in local tax revenue. In addition to this tax revenue, communities also benefit from ancillary (secondary impact) revenues which are generated as a result of direct travel and tourism activity.
Revenue aside, the travel and tourism industry also creates jobs for communities. According to another Runyan Associates report titled, "The Economic Impact of Travel in California," (Att...
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