Visitor Impact Task Force May 9, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Ballroom C 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Absent: Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Bunch Rebecca Melancon, Local Businesses Dan Gillotte, Local Businesses Fred Schmidt, Local Businesses Scott Joslove, THLA Nachele Groomes Zenobia C. Joseph, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Jim Innes, Convention Center Expansion Nailahl Sankofa, Palm Sq. item & Visitor Impact TF Demo Suzanne Erickson, Convention Center Expansion Scott Johnson, Citizen AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:14pm by Chair James Russell 1. Approval of Minutes from May 2, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, and Stephen Sternschein (due to absence of May 2, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Skeeter Miller and Richard Mendoza. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Task Force discussed and voted for an additional meeting schedule for May 16, 2017- (Voted, YES to meet May 16, 2017) i. May 16 and May 23 meeting will be located at the Hyatt Regency Austin 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed the Austin Convention Center Expansion and allowed the Task Force members (Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, and Stephen Sternschein) for their vote on the recommendation. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 4:35pm a. Zenobia C. Joseph, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority b. Nailahl Sankofa, Palm Sq. item & Visitor Impact TF Demo 5. OLD BUSINESS – resumed a. Discussion on TPID (Tourism Public Improvement District) 6. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. …
The Austin CVB sources research from multiple organizations and companies. For annual Economic Impact (travel spending, taxes, etc…) we source the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The report is generated on their behalf by Dean Runyan Associates. https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/TXImp15pRev2_1.pdf Austin-Round Rock, TX MSA pg. 41. Dean Runyan Associates: www.deanrunyan.com Dean Runyan Associates has worked for 25 years to assist with market research, planning and economic analysis for travel, tourism, recreation, and education projects. Our emphasis is on facilities and destination locations that seek economic or market information for planning, marketing, policy, evaluation and/or design. Projects range from the individual facility or event level to states and the nation. We feel that our work is an important sector of our economy and society. Our nation faces serious challenges balancing the needs of our natural areas with the imperatives of economic growth and job creation. Moreover, changing economic conditions and the dynamics of energy costs are particularly important to the travel and recreation industry. This turmoil notwithstanding, the recreation and tourism industry remains one of the most significant industries worldwide, and a leading growth sector in North America. Their focus is on helping travel industry businesses, attractions and destination communities that face these opportunities and challenges. Clients include- Arizona Office of Tourism, California Travel and Tourism Commission, Colorado Tourism Commission, Texas Tourism, Seattle, Sonoma, Spokane, US National Park Service. For jobs data we source the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ Domestic visitation data (including profile, volume, etc..) is again sourced from the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The research is generated on their behalf by D.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd. https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/2015-Hill-Country-Region_2.pdf - Austin- Round Rock TX MSA data begins on pg. 15 and Methodology pg. 29 DK Shifflet: www.dkshifflet.com DK Shifflet boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. We collect data monthly from a U.S. representative sample adding over 60,000 traveling households annually. We’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality travel and traveler research. And have been since 1982. Clients include- Visit California, Delaware, Visit Florida, Georgia, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Texas Tourism, Atlanta, Choose Chicago, Cleveland, Durham, NC, Los Angeles, Best Western, San Antonio, New Orleans. International visitation is sourced from several organizations and companies. Oxford Economics Global City Travel Report, the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the …
Prepared byConventional Wisdom Convention ConsultantsJohnson Consulting Market Analysis ConsultantsExecutive SummaryA brief story about the long range vision for the Austin Convention Center and the journey taken to develop this report.ContextA look at the current site and adjacent land uses surrounding the Convention Center and a comparative analysis of the Austin Convention Center and its main competitors for convention and trade show business.Comparative AnalysisA market-based analysis of the Austin Convention Center compared to key competitor cities.MethodologyAn introduction to the project parameters and the team’s approach to developing the Long Range Strategy.Expansion OptionsMany options were explored and considerations given to the possible impact of each scenario for the City of Austin, Austin Convention Center Department, and downtown stakeholders. The resultant long range plan is a win-win vision for the City and its constituents. FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN, AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENTLONG-RANGE Long-Range Strategy Plan Recommendations 3Executive SummaryThe VisionThe vision for the future of the Austin Convention Center extends beyond the walls of the facility itself and includes the businesses, residents, public agencies and other stakeholders of Austin’s downtown southeast end. The future development and success of the Convention Center cannot be fully realized without the future development and success of the “Convention Center District.” This Long-Range Master Plan illustrates a best-case scenario for the expansion of the Convention Center’s facilities, public/private development of the Convention District, and improvements to existing infrastructure.The impact of the tourism and hospitality industry to the City of Austin is signifi cant. The 2013 economic impact for Austin reported by the State of Texas Offi ce of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism estimates $5.5 billion in local spending by visitors, approximately 45,000 jobs, and local tax revenues of $121 million. Those local tax revenues include Hotel Occupancy Tax, which supports the Convention Center and Tourism and Marketing eff orts, as well as an estimated $25-30 million in sales tax revenues for the City of Austin’s General Fund. The Convention Center’s continued success positively impacts the tourism and hospitality industry, which ultimately contributes to building a vibrant, resilient, and diverse economy, as envisioned by the City of Austin’s Imagine Austin comprehensive plan. The Austin Convention Center serves a wide variety of users throughout its annual events calendar including conventions, trade and consumer shows, and a variety of local public events. Professional organizations representing Convention Planners and Meeting Planners select locations based on the total package available within …
The Economic Impact of Travel on Texas 1994-2015p Prepared for Texas Tourism Office of the Governor Texas Economic Development & Tourism July 2016 This page intentionally blank THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAVEL ON TEXAS 1994-2015p Texas Tourism Office of the Governor Economic Development & Tourism Primary Research Conducted By: Dean Runyan Associates Portland, Oregon July 2016 This page intentionally blank DEAN RUNYAN ASSOCIATES PAGE i -4%-2%0%2%4%6%US RealUS CurrentTX RealTX CurrentEXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report describes the economic impacts of travel to and through Texas and the state’s metropolitan areas, tourism regions, counties, and selected cities and places. The estimates of the direct impacts associated with traveler spending in Texas were produced using the Regional Travel Impact Model (RTIM) developed by Dean Runyan Associates. The estimates for Texas are comparable to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The estimates of spending, earnings, employment and tax receipts are also used as input data to derive estimates of other economic measures, such as gross domestic product and secondary effects. THE RATE OF GROWTH OF THE TEXAS TRAVEL INDUSTRY SLOWED IN 2015, FOLLOWING FOUR YEARS OF EXPANSION Current spending decreased by 2.2 percent in 2015, compared to a 4.8 percent increase in 2014. Real spending (adjusted for inflation) increased by 2.7 percent in 2015, compared to 4.7 percent the preceding year. Room demand increased by 0.7 percent, compared to 4.8 percent in 2014. State and local tax revenue generated by travel spending increased by 4.9 percent in 2015, compared to the previous 6.1 percent. However, growth in travel generated employment and earnings remained strong. Employment increased by 3.5 percent for the year, similar to the 3.7 percent per year annual average since 2010. This is not necessarily an inconsistency as changes in employment in the travel industry typically lag changes in visitor volume and spending. THE EFFECT OF MOTOR FUEL PRICES ON TRAVEL SPENDING Between 2010 and 2014, expenditures on motor fuel constituted between 17 and 20 percent of all travel spending in Texas. In 2015, spending on motor fuel constituted only 12.6 percent due to the sharp decrease (25 percent) in the price of motor fuel. This explains the difference between the current spending decrease of 2.2 percent for the year and the 2.7 percent increase in real, inflation-adjusted spending.1 1 Because virtually all Texas counties and cities were affected by the …
Visitor Impact Task ForceCity Directives and Impacts Tourism Impact•Impact of Tourism on Infrastructure: General Tourism, Activities -24M to 30 M where do they stay?-what do they visit-Need data: -to evaluate Transport, Safety, Capacity*-Impact on city districts, services•Impact of Tourism on Infrastructure Convention Center-85% of the attendees in Down Town area:-Positive Impact on Down Town Businesses( Future?)-Pedestrian Comfort , City Attractions, History, Museums, Parks Entertainment-Expansion Plans•Impact of Tourism : Events-Traffic, Safety, Logistics-City waivers and co-sponsors –(Funding?)* e.g. Increasing population creates park capacity problems Austin Visitor Impact•HOT Use: Allocations per Tax code-Increasing Tourism proportionally incremental allocations-Citizen /Interest Group Request More Funding-Gap exists between Requests and Fund Allocations-Requests Merit Serious Consideration•HOT Use: Per code Major Allocation both Base and Incremental to Convention Center•HOT Use : Reevaluate Tax code e.g. Use 2015 as base line-Increased Funding Available to Cultural Heritage, Tourism Promotion, Historic Preservation, Music, Art etc.** Even with Extra Funding -Gap Remains-Transportation needs work with Transport Agencies-Event Funding Need alternatives per City Staff Austin Convention Center Expansion•Austin Convention Center one of the smallest compared to competition•Hotel Owners in favor of expansion•34% business lost due to unavailability of convention center•Convention Center fully occupied (@65%) in 2015•Option 2b is preferred•Total cost $600M+•Increased Revenue for City, Convention center and Hotels•Does Design take care of traffic, green and open spaces and business community needs fully? –Citizen Requests•Convention business less sensitive to economic downturns ? Austin Convention Center Expansion•Convention Center Expansion:-requires all of the 351 allocation, -it requires 2% additional HOT 17% •The 17% Tax allows increased finding for other areas but does not fill the gap•Current convention center will cater to 91% of the conventions for the size of the conventions•Operating costs for enlarged convention center ???•Convention Center as Cost Center??? Other•Use $1M for series of projects mandated by City council-Allocation for Maywood Park included•Artist concerns –poverty level, health care and transportation•Business community’s concerns•Ensure success of Brand Austin,•Austin Tourism Promotion
TAX CODETITLE 3. LOCAL TAXATIONSUBTITLE D. LOCAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXESCHAPTER 351. MUNICIPAL HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXESSUBCHAPTER A. IMPOSITION AND COLLECTION OF TAXSec. 351.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Municipality" includes any incorporated city, town, or village.(2) "Convention center facilities" or "convention center complex" means facilities that are primarily used to host conventions and meetings. The term means civic centers, civic center buildings, auditoriums, exhibition halls, and coliseums that are owned by the municipality or other governmental entity or that are managed in whole or part by the municipality. In a municipality with a population of 1.5 million or more, "convention center facilities" or "convention center complex" means civic centers, civic center buildings, auditoriums, exhibition halls, and coliseums that are owned by the municipality or other governmental entity or that are managed in part by the municipality, hotels owned by the municipality or a nonprofit municipally sponsored local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code, within 1,000 feet of a convention center owned by the municipality, or a historic hotel owned by the municipality or a nonprofit municipally sponsored local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code, within one mile of a convention center owned by the municipality. The term includes parking areas or facilities that are for the parking or storage of conveyances and that are located at or in the vicinity of other convention center facilities. The term also includes a hotel owned by or located on land that is owned by an eligible central municipality or by a nonprofit corporation acting on behalf of an eligible central municipality and that is located within 1,000 feet of a convention center facility owned by the municipality. The term also includes a hotel that is owned in part by an eligible central municipality described by Subdivision (7)(D) and that is located within 1,000 feet of a convention center facility.(3) "Eligible coastal municipality" means a home-rule municipality that borders on the Gulf of Mexico and has a population of less than 80,000.(4) "Hotel" has the meaning assigned by Section 156.001.(5) "Tourism" means the guidance or management of tourists.(6) "Tourist" means an individual who travels from the individual's residence to a different municipality, county, state, or country for pleasure, recreation, education, or culture.(7) "Eligible central municipality" means:(A) a municipality with a population of more than 140,000 but less than 1.5 million that is located in a county with a population of one million …
Land Development Code Advisory Group COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT Description of Announcement: Community stakeholder engagement event educating the public on specific topics of the CodeNEXT Land Development Code. The event will include a panel of community experts, a presentation from code writers, and the opportunity for the public to ask staff questions about the code. Date and Time: May 8th, 2017 at 6pm Location: Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX, 78704 Board Liaison Contact Name: Ashley S. Greenstein Liaison Telephone Number: 512‐974‐2743
Visitor Impact Task Force May 2, 2017 3:00pm Palmer Events Center Meeting Room 1-3 900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the April 25, 2017 meeting 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action from the public participation from SpeakUpAustin.org b. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas from each Task Force member to recommend to City Council in future report. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas. 6. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov.
Visitor Impact Task Force May 2, 2017 3:00pm Palmer Events Center Meeting Room 1-3 900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Steve Genovesi, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative for Tom Noonan Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum Sinclair Black, Architect AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 25, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:06pm) a. Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed SpeakUpAustin.org b. Discussion on recommendations from each Task Force members to deliver to the City Council. 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association b. Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum c. Sinclair Black, Architect 6. OLD BUSINESS – Recommendation Vote a. All Task Force members voted on the Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller i. 1- NO ii. 1- Not agree, but iii. 5- Agree, if iv. 6- YES 7. ADJOURNMENT a. Meeting Adjourned at 5:50pm The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. …
YES -RECOMMENDATION –NOBREAKDOWNNoDon’t Agree, butNeutral, howeverAgree, ifYes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation BreakdownNo1-voteDon’t Agree, but1-voteNeutral, however0-votesAgree, if5-votesYes6-votes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation Breakdown5/2/2017•No CommentNo•No, But if it is going through, we should articulate the case against for the record.Don’t Agree, but•If, no 2% increaseAgree, if•If, Palm School, MACC, Red River district projects are included. (2% Ch 351 increase) Agree, if•-Urban design thought through –street, sidewalks, -access•-Save money, improve space through sharing buildingAgree ,if•If, there is a clear set of recs for the expansion of money dedicated to music, historically under replentedgroups and dupmnt. of tourist oppsin historically under represented districts.Agree, if•If, includes 2B & Public Realm well DesignedAgree, if•No commentYes•No commentYes•No commentYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, excess % of funds used to support other areas without decreasing funding already in placeYes
May 1, 2017 Dear Visitor Impact Task Force Members: In previous meetings, the Task Force has been encouraged to “think big” in making its recommendations on how to best use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue to impact tourism. Along these lines, we are hopeful that you will recommend creating a new “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” as requested in the attached four-point “ask” by the parks and historic preservation advocates. To date, the Task Force discussions about the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” have focused on funding “historic” projects which are clearly allowable uses under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. However, comments and questions at the last meeting suggest that the Task Force may be overlooking the fact that “visitor information center” projects are also allowable uses under state law that could be funded with the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund.” In support, I refer the Task Force members to the excellent publication referenced in Mr. Joslove’s comments last week, What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes. In that publication, it clearly states that state law allows the “Funding the establishment, improvement, or maintenance of a … visitor information center.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.101(a)(1) (“Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry, and that use is limited to the following: (1) the acquisition of sites for and the construction, improvement, enlarging, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of … visitor information centers”). State law also broadly defines the term “visitor information center” as “a building or a portion of a building used to distribute or disseminate information to tourists.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(8). It should also be noted that “visitor information centers” are not required to be “primarily used to host conventions and meetings,” as that requirement applies to “convention center facilities,” but not “visitor information centers.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(2) and (8). As seen from the foregoing, state law does allow HOT funding of “visitor information center” projects, provided that such projects also promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. Examples of such projects were included in the March 28 presentation, including the proposed “Visitor Education Center” at Zilker Park which would distribute or disseminate park and environmental education information to welcome, guide, and orient tourist and visitors to the …
How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 Votes273693519PARTICIPANTSTOPICSANSWERSREPLIESVOTESSUMMARY OF TOPICSTOURISTS' CHALLENGING IMPACTS 4 Answers · 1 RepliesWhat are some of the greatest challenges posed by tourism and tourists? Seth Goodman · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 25, 2017 10:44 pm 0 VotesTourists + rental cars = sad AustinitesTourists are at their worst when they are driving. Many Americans are most likely to use transit, walk, and bike while they are on vacation. We should be encouraging that to the greatest extent possible.Tourists are also a problem when they become concentrated in too small of a space. Around the convention center, we have started to create a quarter of the city that is exclusively hotels, chain restaurants aimed at catering to the lowest common denominator of taste, parking, and of course the convention center itself. Austinites generally avoid this area because it feels sterile, lacks diversity of uses, and because giant ballrooms filled with this year's hottest trends in tile and carpet are nobody's idea of a good time. It shows when there's no convention on because the streets around the convention center become a dead zone. In order for tourists to have the positive impact on the local economy that is often boasted, they need to get out and spread out and thatmeans we should distribute hotels more evenly around the walkable parts of town.Response:Coapublic Information · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 26, 2017 9:55 am Thanks for your comments, Seth! -ModeratorTim Altanero · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 29, 2017 1:50 am 1 VotesI don't mind tourists at all.We are addressing the hotel room shortage downtown pretty well, I think.What's problematic - and this is not caused by tourists - is the lack of viable public transport. Running more busses is fine, in theory, but they are in traffic too.1 of 14Full Report How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 VotesWe need to think about the city longterm and invest in that longterm future. Yes, it will cost, but if you think about what you pay for your car every year, and how much time you spend in …
