tourismtalk nights from meetings groups – visitors and groups that may not have otherwise come to Scottsdale. Bed-tax dollars are the only city tax dollars used by the organization, yet every dollar invested by Experience Scottsdale in marketing and sales directly generates $67 in visitor spending and $3 in local tax revenue for the benefit of Scottsdale residents. But the bed tax isn’t the only way Scottsdale visitors enhance our city. When tourists come to Scottsdale, they don’t just spend money on their hotel rooms. They rent cars, fill up gas tanks, eat out, visit museums, golf, shop and much more. In doing so, they support our local businesses and pay millions in sales taxes. According to the City of Scottsdale, tourists account for 15 percent of sales tax collections. In fiscal year 2016-17, that totaled $24.9 million. Unlike the bed tax, which has specific designated uses, the sales tax revenue generated by visitors funnels directly into the General Fund. From there, city leaders have the flexibility to appropriate the revenue to meet Scottsdale’s needs. That money pays for police, fire, streets, water, land preservation and other city services of importance to this community.
WestWorld of Scottsdale is one of several sites improved with funds from the city’s bed tax. (Photo courtesy Experience Scottsdale)
Tourists play an essential role in our community, and domestic overnight visitors to Scottsdale leave behind an economic impact of $2.3 billion. Through the bed tax and sales tax, these visitors strengthen our economy and ensure Scottsdale maintains a high quality of life and a robust tourism industry.
Rachel Pearson is the vice president of community and government affairs for Experience Scottsdale, which is responsible for promoting the Scottsdale area as a premier travel and meetings destination to national and international leisure visitors, travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners and media.
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60 | Scottsdale Airpark News September 2018