Durangoans who are supportive of the proposed lodgers tax increase should consider the adverse effects that increased marketing can cause.
Moab, Utah has a similar fee called the Transient Room Tax (TRT), which was set at the maximum allowable by state law in 2012.
During this recent period, Moab has been plagued with explosive growth and changes to the character of the community. The Moab locals are now struggling with the repercussions brought on by the increased marketing effort. Quoting from the local newspaper, “funds raised by the TRT does not leave enough money to properly fund Grand County services and infrastructure, which struggle to serve increasing numbers of tourists drawn in by advertising campaigns.”
I fear the same results will occur within our community if this tax is approved by the voters.
Please keep Durango on a more sustainable tourism trajectory and vote “No” on Ballot Question 1-A.
Rob HarriesDurango
