Seriously, Durango is considering spending more money on marketing to attract more tourists?
Yup, it’s on the ballot to more than double the lodgers tax, from 2% to 5.25%.
Thanks to the pandemic, we seen hoards of visitors arriving and many staying here. The last thing we should be doing is trying to attract more. It’s not sustainable. It’s a vicious circle: spend more money on marketing, more people come, more tax is collected and more is spent on marketing.
This influx has led to a degradation of resource, not to mention skyrocketing real estate prices. RV sales in Colorado shot up 650% and Colorado Search and Rescue saw a 200% increase in calls. I was actually one of the hikers trapped by the human-caused Ice Fire near Silverton, and had to be evacuated by helicopter. It was scary.
I commend Visit Durango for the superb job they do to attract and educate visitors. With their current budget of $1 million a year, they can continue this.
Also, let’s think about what we can do to diversify the local economy. What are your priorities for Durango? More tourists or an effort to fill vacant office and retail space or provide affordable housing? Funding the arts and grants to local organizations?
This proposal allocates a token 14% to the arts and cultural events. Reviving the music and sports scene is what’s needed to re-invigorate the town. This measure was thought up pre-pandemic. Now, not only is it not needed, it is down right irresponsible. Vote No/against the lodgers tax increase.
Mike MaysDurango
