Title
Approval of a Resolution Approving a Municipal Services Contract Between the City of Olympia and the Visitors and Convention Bureau of Thurston County for 2024- 2026 Tourism Promotion (Lodging Tax) Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Approving a Municipal Services Contract Between the City of Olympia and the Visitors and Convention Bureau of Thurston County for 2024- 2026 Tourism Promotion (Lodging Tax) Services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Visitors and Convention Bureau for 2024-2026 Tourism Promotion (Lodging Tax) Services.
Staff Contact:
Amelia Layton, Cultural Access Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office, 360.570.3808
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Annually, the Olympia Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) makes recommendations on use of approximately one-half of the City's Lodging Tax Fund.
An open call for tourism services funded by the Olympia Lodging Tax was advertised beginning July 28, 2023. The application deadline was September 8, 2023.
After reviewing all the applicants and creating funding recommendations, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee agreed to fund the Visitors and Convention Bureau of Thurston County (also known as Experience Olympia and Beyond) for the next three years (2024-2026). This was based on the score of the submitted application and the history of funding the Visitor and Convention Bureau.
Climate Analysis:
Tourism inherently has a climate impact due to the requirement of travel; however, this contract focuses on tourism marketing that does not have a direct climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
The 2024 Lodging Tax Application implemented a shift towards requiring applicants to address accessibility in their programming/event/marketing.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Supporting tourism activities as part of our local economy is consistent with the City of Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution for the Contract Between the City of Olympia and the Visitors and Convention Bureau
2. Direct staff to make Council-recommended adjustments and return it to LTAC for further consideration
3. Do not approve the Resolution for the Contract Between the City of Olympia and the Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Financial Impact:
This three-year contract will impact the total available Lodging Tax funding for 2025-2026. The break down of funding is as follows:
• 2024 - $158,096
• 2025 - $168,635
• 2026 - $179,175
The Visitors and Convention Bureau (also known as Experience Olympia and Beyond) is the identified destination marketing organization for Thurston County. Lodging Tax funds are a significant source of funding for this organization.
Attachments:
Resolution
Contract