Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism And Lodging topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tourism director: lodging revenue up year‑to‑date despite July–August decline; HDL contractor issues prompt review
Summary
Tourism Director Michelle Woods reported lodging revenue up about 9% year‑to‑date but noted declines in July (‑8%) and August (‑17%); the city is reviewing Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT/HDL) collection services and building Visit Wimberley digital marketing including a new social media manager and 'Hometown Holidays' promotion.
WIMBERLEY, Texas — Tourism Director Michelle Woods reported to the council on Sept. 8 that fiscal‑year‑to‑date lodging revenue for 2024–25 is about 9% higher than the prior year, though July revenue was down 8% and August down 17%.
Woods said the year‑to‑date increase reflects bringing some previously out‑of‑compliance lodging accounts back into collection and onboarding new accounts. She also announced a new social media manager, Katie Kiner, and a shift to a roughly 50/50 mix of print and digital advertising for Visit Wimberley marketing.
Hotel occupancy tax collection: Woods said the city has experienced issues with HDL (the tax‑collection contractor) over several months and is interviewing alternative tax‑collection companies. “I expect to probably come back to you within a few weeks…and possibly a recommendation for a change,” she told council.
Hometown Holidays: Woods outlined plans to expand the Hometown Holidays program (tree lighting, parade and a Christmas Courtyard main stage) and said the city purchased the domain hometownholidays.com to promote the event.
Short‑term rentals: Council asked about compliance for short‑term rentals; Woods said fewer than 10 accounts remain out of compliance and that the tourism office is considering more direct, personalized outreach as an alternative or supplement to contractor letters.
Why it matters: HOT collections fund tourism promotion and events; the collection contractor’s performance and compliance of lodging operators affect city revenue and event funding.
