FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/17/2023
Contact: Christina Lokey
Agency: Beaumont CVB
Telephone: 409-880-3749
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant
Each year, the City of Beaumont receives hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue from a tax that is levied on guest rooms at local hotels, motels, and inns. As of today, a new application process has been opened for any individual or organization to apply for funding that supports tourism. The goal is to offer support for programing that attracts overnight tourists and in turn increases visitor spending. Dean Conwell, Director of the CVB, said “The new application process will be a more equitable way to disperse the funds for deserving projects as it is all about ROI because this application considers revenue generated and overnight hotel counts.”
As an applicant, State law requires a two-part test to meet the eligibility for HOT funds: Part 1 – Every expenditure of hotel taxes must attract overnight tourists to the city’s hotels and motels, thus promoting the city’s hotel industry. Part 2 – Every expenditure must fit into one of the following nine categories (1) convention and visitors centers; (2) convention registration; (3) advertising the city; (4) promotion of the arts; (5) historical restoration and preservation; (6) sporting events in a county under one million in population; (7) enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or sports fields (only in certain cities); (8) tourist transportation systems; and (9) signage directing the public to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the city.
The application process is open now and applications are due Friday, August 18, 2023. The application can be downloaded from the city’s website on the Beaumont CVB page.(https://beaumonttexas.gov/cvb/) City staff will conduct an orientation session for those who may have questions about the hotel occupancy tax fund application process on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Visitors Center at 505 Willow St, Beaumont, TX. If you cannot attend the orientation in person, please refer to an uploaded recording of the orientation on the city website: https://beaumonttexas.gov/cvb/ that will be posted on August 3.
The CVB Review Committee reviews all acceptable applications from individuals, groups, and organizations applying for HOT funding. Each applicant, with an acceptable application, will be scheduled with a time to present to the City Council at a scheduled Tuesday meeting. At the presentation they will have 2 minutes to present their request, after which they may be asked questions or provide further clarification. This formal presentation is encouraged for any requests over $5,000; however, it is not required. If unable to attend the presentation meeting, you are encouraged to send any materials to support the application. Funding recommendations may be less than the amount requested. The Finance Department will send out formal agreements to successful applicants.
For further questions or concerns: email [email protected] or call 409-880-3165
