More Media Coverage About Funding

Several of the local media have taken an interest in the ongoing, uphill quest by Carlsbad's local tourism bureau to secure a funding subsidy that was once provided and was subsquently replaced by the hotel assessment of $1 per night. It is interesting how the North County Times was told that the local bureau was, "beating a dead horse." Then, two days later and in today's San Diego Union-Tribune, the headline reads, Tourism bureau won't get more money.

Could this be the end to this story ...

City Rejects Call for Tourism Funding

I just received a response from Mayor Lewis after having sent three letters to him asking to meet and discuss continued funding of the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau. Interestingly, after having hand-delivered my final letter to his office yesterday, I received his response today, nearly one month after my initial letter of January 24, 2007.

The following is the text of Mayor Lewis' letter to me and cc'd to member of the city council, the city manager, the administrative services director and to board members of the CTBID and the Carlsbad CVB.

Dear Ms. Nayudu:

I have received your letter regarding the Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District (CTBID), and your desire to have the City provide additional funding to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB). Although I understand your concerns, the actins taken by the City Council have been clear, and the City's position has been consistent with regard to the desire to give the hotel industry full control over the funding of tourism promotion programs, and to remove the City from funding tourism activities.

When I was approached about supporting the CTBID concept, both Council Members Hall adn I met with the ConVis representatives and hotel managers to hear your recommendations regarding the role the City would have in the process.

The Council supported the concept of creating a tourism business improvement district that would be controlled by the hotel industry. The Council also supported having the City cease its involvement in financing subsequent tourism programs. The City's only ongoing involvement was to be temporarily assisting the CTBID Board by providing staff support while the Board came together and determined its own course of action.

There was never any intention for the City to continue financial support of either CCVB or San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau after the CTBID was formed.

Sincerely,
Bud Lewis
Claude A. "Bud" Lewis
Mayor

I need to inform those who read this that I never raised the issue of the CTBID as it relates to funding. My stated intent was to secure funding for the Carlsbad CVB in a manner consistent with past agreements with the City. Funds would have been used to provide support for the operational and associated costs with operating the Visitor Information Center. Still, the City has stated its position, and that is disappointing. Copies of letters I have sent to the mayor will be provided to members of my own board and to the CTBID Board.

Please remain vigilant; I will continue to keep you informed.

Media Covers Carlsbad Funding Issue

In today's North County section of the San Diego Union Tribune, reporter Michael Burge provides a glimpse to readers on the issue of reinstalled City funding by Carlsbad to support tourism. It is definitely worth reading!

Carlsbad Hoteliers Meet, Re-Connect Industry Ties

In the hope of improving communication between lodging establishments here in Carlsbad, there was a meeting on Thursday, Februay 1st, at the West Inn and Suites (thank you, Kim) to discuss a few issues that are of great importance to the Carlsbad lodging community and to tourism, in general. We discussed the Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District (CTBID) and informed those who were unaware of the process by which the CTBID came to be, how the money has been spent so far and when the next CTBID meeting would be held. It is SO important for as many representatives from Carlsbad properties to attend these meetings so we will be informed of the way OUR money is being spent.

The next meeting of the CTBID is on Thursday, March 1st, 1:30 p.m. at the Dove Library.

The other issue discussed was the lack of tourism funding from the City of Carlsbad. The CTBID was created with the purpose of providing SUPPLEMENTAL funding for additional marketing and promotional programs for Carlsbad. For some reason, unknown to me, the City pulled all funding for the local CVB when the CTBID became a reality. The CVB does such a terrific job of promoting ALL of Carlsbad and they deserve the backing of the lodging industry when they ask for the City to re-engage as partners.

There will be a posting on this blog of the date of the next Hotel Motel Association meeting, and I know that many who attended this meeting will be there. Please try to attend.

Lastly, I am so pleased we have this blog to better communicate our thoughts and desires within our industry. At any time you feel the need to either post a statement or to comment on one that's already been written, I know those of us reading this blog will enjoy the exchange of ideas.

Thanks!