General Assembly Votes To Extend Funding To Promote Tourism

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is applauding recent legislation passed by the General Assembly that establishes permanent funding to promote tourism in Arlington, according to a Chamber release.

The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, which is part of Arlington Economic Development, already uses the Transient Occupancy Tax surcharge on hotel rooms to promote trade and tourism in Arlington. However, the tax surcharge was due to sunset on July 1, 2021.

During the 2020 legislative session, Sen. Jane Howell (D-32) introduced SB 107 and Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) introduced HB 62. Both bills aimed to eliminate the sunset provision under the current law.

"These bills ensure that Arlington Convention and Visitors Service can continue their terrific work of promoting Arlington as a destination, driving visitors to our hotels and other local businesses," said Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates, in the release. "Hospitality is a key part of our economy, generating nearly $3.4 billion of commerce in Arlington that extends beyond hotels to local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses that serve visitors to Arlington."

Thirty years ago, the Arlington Chamber asked the Virginia's legislature to authorized the surcharge, which went into effect from 1990 to 2011. It also support reinstatement of the surcharge in 2016 and extension in 2018.

This year, the Chamber threw its support behind both Howell and Hope's bills. The House passed HB 62 (76-22) and SB 107 (78-22), while the Senate voted 31-9 to pass SB 107 and 34-6 to pass HB 62.