The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Event (IHBC) is in favor of the lodgers tax increase because it would help special events like us and others to receive marketing funds from the city for expansion and promotion of events.
Events act as a catalyst and create added value without changing the essence of the destination. They typically take place during the off-peak seasons, which helps contribute to developing a more year-round economy for the community.
As the second-longest bicycling event in the U.S., now in its 49th year, IHBC has grown in attendance to 3,500 with 2,500 participants coming from out of town, generating $3 million in positive economic impact to the community that includes major contributions to nonprofits like Mercy Breast Care Center, Mercy Hospice House, the Heart Clinic at Mercy, the American Heart Association and more.
Many people may not know that this event began to help the Durango area kick off the summer season and could not have grown without the continued partnership with the local destination marketing organization.
We recognize that Visit Durango has begun to integrate more sustainable tourism practices into its overall destination marketing and management strategy, which will be of great value and benefit in managing tourism impact. Increasing the value of our event through the years has required additional investment, as will Visit Durango’s shift in strategy to achieve a more year-round tourism economy, therefore we encourage you to vote “Yes” on April 6 to increase the lodgers tax.
Scott MathisDurango
