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Tourism staff present program overview and propose a slightly lower 2026 budget amid forecasted headwinds
Summary
Planning staff briefed the committee on the county tourism program, its funding (5% room occupancy tax), 2024 visitor impact figures and a proposed 2.5% reduction in the 2026 tourism forecast; staff highlighted a downtown activation grant and an agreement to hold CVB funding flat for 2026.
Nick, staff lead in the Department of Planning & Sustainability, presented an overview of the county tourism program and the Strategic Tourism Planning Board’s 2026 budget recommendation on July 16, telling the committee the program remains an important economic diversifier for the county but that the 2026 forecast projects a 2.5% decline in room tax revenue.
Why it matters: Tompkins County’s tourism program is funded primarily by a 5% room occupancy tax and supports the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, grants for annual programs (for example, community beautification, downtown ambassadors and hospitality workforce training), and contracts with cultural organizations.…
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