To improve the synergy between the city and University and to broaden community outreach, city council voted to enter into a contract with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to raise funds and plan new ways to broadcast Bowling Green’s brand around the nation.
Todd McGee, CVB chair member and local Best Western general manager, called for a 1 percent increase on the hotel and motel tax, saying the increase in funds would help fill more hotel beds and bring in visitors through innovative promotional ideas.
“Cities all over are building new sports complexes and event centers to attract tournaments and conventions because they bring a lot of revenue to their local economies,” McGee said. “With the increase in funds, we’ll be able to have a larger outreach to find new tournaments, conventions, events and tours. We will also be able to better support and build relationships with partners currently hosting their events in Bowling Green. Our goal is to continue growing Bowling Green tourism by taking our advertising efforts to the next level. Creating a community brand that represents our town is the right step in that direction.”
Creating commercials and advertisements for magazines, newspapers and TV screens all over the Midwest that include both University events and local businesses is the central plan behind this project after the funds are raised.
Despite the heightened financial burden for local hotels, he said all hotels support the tax increase, citing revenue spikes from its potential positive economic output.
The tax would also solely apply to the hotels. No Bowling Green residents are affected. Hotel residents would see a higher bill, which could potentially deter visitation; however, McGee is confident that the price increase is so small, little to no change would occur in hotel attendance.
“The money that will be accrued is probably going to be about $75,000,” council member Sandy Rowland said. “That is something the CVB needs in order to help us grow.”
Concerns exist over this non-traditional method for raising funds, but city council expressed unanimous support for the project.
The importance of increasing revenues for the city’s general fund was the deciding factor for council member Robert McOmber, who said the benefits outweigh the costs of the tax increase.
Council and the hotels are betting this plan will further the city’s economic development and make Bowling Green a much more competitive attraction.
“I like to think of this as an opportunity to just invest,” council member Bruce Jeffers said. “The hotel and motel owners see it that way, and they’re serious about taking their game to the next level.”
