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Board urges hotel partners to sign on to tourism economic zone as tool to boost convention business
Summary
Directors said the township has legislative authority for an additional hotel tax tool and urged hoteliers to participate so Visit The Woodlands can use funds for sales and marketing to attract conventions and a luxury hotel; staff said only one hotel had petitioned so far and the board discussed outreach steps.
The Woodlands Township Board on May 13 urged hotel partners to consider petitioning for a township-authorized tourism economic development zone (EDZ) that would add an additional tax percentage to participating hotels' receipts and dedicate those funds to Visit The Woodlands for sales and marketing.
Staff said the legislature authorized the EDZ in a recent session and the township has the statutory ability to collect the additional funds once a petition of hotel properties meets the required threshold. Staff reported outreach to all local hotels resulted in only one initial petitioner; changes in hotel ownership and differing views among hotel operators have slowed additional sign-ups.
Directors said the EDZ would be a competitive marketing tool against other destinations and urged board members and staff to support Visit The Woodlands in outreach to hotel decision-makers. The board discussed the mechanics: hotels must petition to be included, the township collects the funds, and an agreement would direct marketing allocations to Visit The Woodlands. Staff and directors noted the township does not plan to own or operate hotels; the tool is intended to fund convention and tourism marketing.
No formal resolution or ordinance was adopted at the meeting. Directors asked Visit The Woodlands and township staff to continue engagement with hotel owners and to report back on petition progress and any practical barriers to broader hotel participation.
