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.