York County Convention and Visitors Bureau applauds legislators on room tax

The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau today released the following statement in support of House Bill 1177, which recently received approvals in both the state House and Senate:
“Each month that York County has not been allowed to voluntarily raise its hotel room tax has meant lost revenue for numerous tourism-related organizations and attractions working to bring visitors and their wallets to our community. We thank Senator Wagner for his amendment to House Bill 1177, and we thank other members of the York County legislative delegation for their support including state Rep. Ron Miller, a champion of this issue in the past few years. Finally, we want to thank all lawmakers who have voted in favor of this bill so far in recognition of the fact that tourism is an important component of the York County economy. Like any sound business enterprise, tourism requires proper levels of investment to keep generating maximum returns for stakeholders. The York County tourism community is in support of this investment. As this important legislation hopefully nears the finish line, we ask lawmakers and Gov. Tom Corbett for further support of our local decision by enacting House Bill 1177.”
Following state Sen. Scott Wagner’s amendment, the legislation would allow York County to enact up to a 5 percent tax on lodging room stays. Tourism stakeholders in York County came to a consensus approximately two and a half years ago to invest proceeds from a room tax rate of 5 percent for the betterment of York County, its tourism infrastructure, and the jobs and businesses visitors support with more than $885 million in economic impact annually.
Today, York County’s tax on lodging room stays is set at 3 percent – the maximum rate the county is currently allowed by the state. This tax rate generates roughly $1.5 million in revenue. Neighboring counties already levy higher tax rates.
Approximately $2.6 million in revenue would be generated annually by a 5 percent tax and the vast majority of the benefits would be realized directly by stakeholders in the York County tourism community.
Based on the community’s consensus and the most recent projections, approximately $850,000 would be passed into a tourism grant fund from which several organizations would receive dedicated annual funding and others would be able to apply for grants. Another approximately $360,000 would be allocated to the York Expo Center.
The York County CVB’s net share used as operating revenue to support its tourism promotion efforts would stay substantially similar to what it is today – approximately $1.4 million.
“We are absolutely thrilled that several years of hard work is paying off for York County,” said Eric Menzer, Board Chairman of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Dozens of industry and civic leaders worked with the County Commissioners and our legislative delegation to build a strong consensus on this. This is a perfect example of what a unified public-private economic development partnership looks like.”
The York County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact in York County, PA, through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs. The York County CVB’s Vision is for a York County where tourism is recognized for the value of its economic impact; and its role in raising the profile of York County as a sought-after destination. For more information on the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 1-888-858