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Explore Altoona representatives urge Blair Township supervisors to oppose county decertification
Summary
Explore Altoona leaders and local hotel managers told Blair Township supervisors on Nov. 12 that decertifying the county tourism agency would harm local hotels and small businesses and urged the board to oppose the Blair County Commissioners’ planned decertification.
At the Nov. 12 Blair Township Board of Supervisors meeting, representatives of Explore Altoona and several hoteliers asked the supervisors to oppose a county-level plan to decertify Explore Altoona as Blair County’s designated tourism promotion agency.
Mark Ickes, identified as Executive Director of Explore Altoona, introduced the issue and turned the podium to hoteliers who described the organization’s impact on area businesses. Jeff Sipriani, who said he has been the Hampton Inn general manager for 26 years, told the board that “because the area is so small, area hotel managers rely upon a Destination Marketing Organization that is focused like a laser on bringing business to the area.” He said a less-resourced agency or no agency at all would reduce stays and harm local businesses.
Patrick Shore said Explore Altoona and its small-business supporters had submitted letters to the Blair County Commissioners that he said were ignored. He and Ickes asked local supervisors to oppose the Commissioners’ move to decertify the county marketing organization, arguing the change could lead the county to move hotel-tax dollars toward building outdoor recreation projects that, Shore said, would fall outside the purpose of Act 18 hotel tax funds, which are intended for promotion and marketing of existing businesses and facilities.
The supervisors did not take formal action on the request at the meeting. No supervisor questions or requests for a formal resolution were recorded.
Why it matters: Explore Altoona is the county-designated destination marketing organization that local hoteliers and arts organizations say drives out-of-area visitation and supports lodging and venue revenues. Any county decertification could change how hotel-tax revenue is allocated under Act 18 and shift marketing resources away from attracting visitors to existing businesses and cultural venues.
What’s next: The presentation was part of the public-comment record; no vote was taken by the Blair Township Supervisors at this meeting, and the county-level decision remains pending.
