As a current hotel owner who began his career as a bus driver in Durango 40 years ago, I’m writing to express my support to increase Durango lodgers tax, which will help broaden and sustain positive economic impact for the long term.
Tourism has been a great entry-level position for many of us and can blossom into an amazing career path, which is what I’ve experienced. How many of you had a first job working in a hotel or motel, at a restaurant or attraction such as the DS&NGR, Purgatory, or a rafting company where you gained customer service skills, work ethics and the ability to work with a diverse group of people?
Tourism continues to benefit the Durango economy. Annually, it generates over 26% of city sales tax collections. Tourism supports local jobs, improves community amenities such as increased air service, recreation and restaurants. And it has a “halo effect,” reinforcing that Durango is a great place to attend college, start a business, or retire. We all recognize that summer tourism business for the community is very brisk; however, you may not know that year-round average occupancy for lodging in Durango is 60%.
There is still opportunity to grow the economy in both shoulder/off seasons through new markets such as meetings, sports, and reunions. Targeting new types of market segments will require additional investment, as will continuing to move toward sustainable tourism through educating and attracting visitors who will be responsible, lower their impact and respect Durango’s precious resources.
Chris VivoloDurango
