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TDA reports sharper hotel and occupancy-tax gains; $257,000 invested in community programs
Summary
TDA director Steve Mason told the Alleghany County commissioners that occupancy-tax revenue rose to about $253,000 this year, hotel stays and event attendance drove the increase, and the TDA invested roughly $257,000 in grants and capital expenditures this fiscal year.
Steve Mason, presenting the Alleghany County Tourism Development Authority annual report on Aug. 18, said occupancy-tax revenue increased to about $253,000 this year from roughly $208,271 the prior year and attributed the rise to stronger overnight stays and event-related lodging.
"We're seeing more activity that stays in overnight stays, especially, and that was heightened," Mason said as he walked the board through monthly revenue spikes and the TDA's marketing and grant work. The TDA reported a fund balance of approximately $199,000 and a long-range fund near $163,000.
Mason outlined recent grants and investments: a $10,000 grant to the Sam Brown Trail Association, $2,200 to a litter pickup program (Solid Rock Food Closet), $4,800 for a Fiber Fest contribution, $8,000 for Apple Pie Festival, $4,500 for a local Jeep club event, $5,000 for Music on Main and $9,000 for a fiddlers convention. He said the TDA hopes to begin a wayfinding-signage program in the fall as part of a Destination by Design partnership.
Why it matters: Tourism tax revenue supports promotion, visitor services, and event grants that tangibly affect local merchants, hotel occupancy and marketing partnerships (the Chamber of Commerce was singled out for collaborative work). Mason said new geofencing technology allows multi-year event comparisons dating to 2016 to better target marketing.
Commissioners thanked Mason and encouraged the TDA to continue outreach; no board action was required beyond acceptance of the report.
