Elected officials and government leaders continue to perpetuate unhelpful myths about the transient lodging tax.

A significant portion of revenue from the tax supports local government services. While newer lodging taxes follow a 70-30 split favoring tourism, most communities have older, grandfathered transient lodging taxes. In those cases, a majority of the revenue — like 62% in Lincoln City and 90% in Manzanita — goes directly into the general fund.

Local, regional and state tourism management organizations reinvest the money they receive from the tax, benefiting residents and visitors alike. Examples include trail development, tide pool ambassador programs, food trails that support local restaurants and producers, funding for culture and heritage, efforts to support the Oregon coast seafood industry, accessibility improvements like Mobi-mats for beach access, and more.

Tourism contributes nearly $2.4 billion and 26,000 jobs into the Oregon coast economy. In many rural communities, tourism is the No. 1 economic driver. The tourism industry sustains the restaurants, recreation and cultural opportunities that year-round residents enjoy.

As the regional destination management organization for the Oregon coast, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association is committed to leveraging tourism’s economic benefits to ensure that coastal communities are healthy and sustainable long term, both for visitors and for locals.

Elected officials representing the Oregon coast must carefully consider the impact of defunding the tourism industry and diluting the critical support it provides for rural coastal communities. The tourism industry is a valuable partner in addressing community needs, and a conversation with tourism organizations at the table is the best place to start.

MARCUS HINZ

Executive director, Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Tillamook