Moore County commissioners approve 3% hotel tax increase to fund tourism product development

Moore County commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to levy an additional 3 percentage points in the county room occupancy tax, increasing the local rate from 3% to 6% effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The measure, adopted by resolution citing Session Law 2015-256 and North Carolina General Statute 153A-55, follows a public hearing in which the county's Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) outlined a plan to channel the extra revenue into a tourism product development fund intended to finance attractions, capital projects and marketing that officials say will draw more visitors and overnight stays.

Why it matters: The CVB and local tourism stakeholders told commissioners the county's tax base already produces substantial visitor spending and job support, and that an expanded fund would allow the CVB to help finance projects and events beyond routine marketing. Commissioners heard from hoteliers, arts and cultural groups, agritourism operators, and small-business owners who said the county-wide payout would benefit both tourism and residents.

What speakers said - Phil Wirs, president and CEO of the Moore County tourism development authority (the…