“Yes” on Prop 400 to Benefit Tempe

Posted on | February 17, 2010 | No Comments

By Stephanie Nowack, President/CEO of the Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau

I have a deal for you. Give a dollar, and you’ll get $34 in return. Really.

For every dollar invested in Tempe tourism, $34 is generated in new spending for our community. That’s just one of the reasons why the Tempe hoteliers, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Tempe Community, residents and the City Council are rallying behind Proposition 400, which would increase the tax on hotel rooms by 2 percent. This increase is expected to generate more than $1.5 million per year which will be used to attract additional tourists and support tourism activities. These activities could include a Tempe CVB advertising campaign in key cold-weather markets or support of major events such as the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, the Thanksgiving Soccer Tournament and Ford Ironman Arizona.

The extra revenue that will be generated by Prop. 400 represents more money for Tempe businesses, more tourism related jobs in Tempe and more money for the city, lowering the tax burden on residents. This tax increase will only be paid by those who stay in Tempe hotels. At 5 percent, Tempe’s new rate will remain lower than the national average.

Currently, tourism in Tempe generates more than $100 million annually for our economy. Destinations like Tempe are competing more than ever to attract tourists and business travelers. It is critical that we maintain our momentum and continue to promote Tempe to potential visitors who will spend money at our local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.

Prop. 400 is on the March 9 ballot. I encourage you to vote “Yes” on Prop. 400. If you own a business in Tempe, please educate your staff about this important issue.

For more information, including the top reasons to vote for Prop 400, questions and answers about its benefits for Tempe and a list of supporters, please visit www.YesOnProp400.com.

To register to vote, please visit http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx.

Please join me and vote “Yes” on Prop. 400. Tourists pay. You benefit. Tempe wins.

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