Title
Consider re-allocation of South Carolina Accommodations Tax Marketing and Promotions Fund.
(Strategic Goal: Short and Long Term Economic Development. Objective: Increase Rock Hill's success as a premier sports tourism destination.)
Body
Several 2008-2009 recipients of Accommodations Tax Funding were unable to make their 50/50 match on applicable marketing and promotion expenditures for their grants as previously approved by City Council in May 2008. This match is required by the City Of Rock Hill’s Accommodations Tax (ATAX) Program. The balance of funds remaining is $20,474.70. These funds must be used for the marketing and promotion of Tourism per South Carolina’s Tourism Expenditure Review Committee.
Opportunities exist to bring high caliber and new sports tournaments to Rock Hill. Reallocated funds would be used to promote and create additional sporting events to Rock Hill and to develop a “Tourism Map” with the focus of extending visitor stays by concentrating on high quality attractions in the Rock Hill and York County area.
The South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has approved moving the funds to the City’s Special Fund for Marketing and Promotions as administered by Rock Hill PRT upon approval by the City’s local advisory committee (Rock Hill ATAX and Tourism Commission) and Rock Hill City Council. The Tourism Commission recommends approval by City Council.