Public commenter urges fees for entities outside TCED that benefit from Branson marketing

Gary Grama spoke during the public-comment portion of the meeting to question whether a “rising tide” marketing strategy benefits Branson when regional entities use city-funded marketing resources. Grama urged that entities outside the Tourism Center Economic District (TCED) should either join the TCED or compensate the district when they directly benefit from marketing developed and funded within the TCED.

Grama recommended two options for non-TCED entities that profit from TCED-funded marketing: either join the TCED where legally permitted, or enter an agreement under Missouri Revised Statutes section 67.195654 to pay a 1% annual fee on the same categories of sales taxes that TCED members collect. He said the suggestion was intended to address situations where marketing aimed at increasing tourist visits results in revenue for attractions and lodging outside the TCED boundary.

Grama framed his comments around the mechanics of a tourist-driven local economy, noting Branson’s small permanent population and large visitor volumes and saying marketing should produce local tax and business benefits proportionate to where tourists spend their time: “If they're staying outside of Branson, they will not be paying the 4% lodging tax,” he said, and questioned whether return-on-investment is greater for marketing spent inside city limits versus marketing that benefits businesses outside the city.

The comments were a public suggestion and did not prompt immediate council action during the meeting.