A Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert post today on Facebook – "The end of 2024 will also mark the end of two contracts with the City of Duluth for the use of tourism taxes to promote and market Duluth as a destination. Combined, these contracts guide the pending annually of almost $2.5 million in public dollars collected via hotel, motel, food, and beverage taxes.
Yesterday, I announced the formation of a Tourism Tax working group tasked with providing a comprehensive review of Duluth’s current tourism marketing strategy to ensure it aligns with the long-term goals and values of the industry, the City of Duluth, and our community. This group will also develop the RFP (request for proposals) for the next multi-year promotion contracts.
I am committed to ensuring that every dollar invested in tourism marketing contributes to the prosperity of our city and its residents. This working group will evaluate our current marketing practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies that will enhance the visibility and economic impact of Duluth as a premier tourist destination.
The working group consists of representatives from various stakeholders, including local businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, and marketing experts. They will assess the effectiveness of the existing marketing efforts, explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and recommend actionable strategies to optimize the use of tourism marketing funds. I am impressed by their collective expertise, and grateful for their willingness to serve.
The formation of the working group underscores our commitment to transparent and inclusive governance, engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes, and promoting responsible stewardship of public resources."