1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD April 10, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Board & Commission Room 1101 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair Aileen Bazan Mike Cannatti Stefani Mathis John Riedie Bishop Chappell Ed Bailey, Vice Chair Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Anna Panossian Christian Tschoepe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on March 13, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Ojeda, regarding city clerk’s response to amount of recommendations per board, importance of Officer Elections, deadline for training requirements, and upcoming schedule changes for upcoming meetings. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 6. 7. Presentation by Neil Maris, General Manager of the Hot Luck Festival regarding the collaboration with the community and restaurant industry and how they are impacting and creating initiatives for tourism. Presentation by Katie Dorflinger, Brand Partnerships and Festival Producer, of C3 Presents regarding the Austin Food & Wine Festival and how this event engages with practitioners in the culinary industry of Austin creating tourism impact and initiatives. Presentation by Madison Gessner, Executive Director of the Central-South Texas Region, Texas Restaurant Association, regarding food and beverage and the culinary industry in Austin to present about different aspects of the industry and importance it creates for tourism impact and initiatives. Presentation by Cara Bertron, Program Manager of the Planning Department regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan and requesting the Tourism Commission Boards feedback on their recommendation to city council. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation regarding the funding for Red River Cultural District, and other similar organizations like Zilker Theatre …
November 1-3, 2024 Last year’s lineup! 2 DAYS • 6,000 FANS • 20+ CHEF DEMOS • 60+ FEATURED RESTAURANTS DEMOGRAPHICS GENDER 28% MALE 72% FEMALE AGE 22% 21-34 35% 35-44 24% 45-54 15% 55-64 4% 65+ ANNUAL INCOME 4% < $75K 20% $75K-$149K 31% $150K-$249K 20% $250K-$499K 10% $500K+ 15% Prefer not to answer EDUCATION 2% High School 55% College 43% Masters / PhD DIGITAL DATA 308,948 Unique Views 200,118 Sessions 1:11 (min:sec) Avg. Session duration 1.99 Pages per session 398,986 Total Page Views 2,378 Around the Park Page Views 5,905 Partner Page Views 38K+ FACEBOOK LIKES 21K+ TWITTER FOLLOWERS 39K+ INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS MARKET SPREAD Local Austin Dallas Houston San Antonio Top States Texas Illinois Iowa California Oklahoma Missouri Kansas Source Data, Google Analytics 11/7/22 – 11/6/23 “There’s a fun, choose-your-own-adventure element to the festival that leads to varied experiences for different guests. Those inclined to catch a glimpse of the big-name chefs can spend some of their days in the seminar tents, while others simply opt to drink and graze on food samples for the day.” -EATER AUSTIN SIP & SAVOR Austin Food + Wine treats guests to culinary creations from Austin’s top restaurants, bites from nationally renowned pit masters and chefs, Master Sommelier-led wine tastings, cocktail classes and so much more. From Central Texas favorites to the country’s top-rated purveyors, awaken your palate with delectable bites! Create the perfect pair when you sip from a wide selection of spirits, wines, and brews among views of the extraordinary Austin skyline. SERVING GOOD VIBES Discover your new favorite cocktail or restaurant in our Grand Taste exhibition. If a smorgasbord of spirits and culinary exhibitors isn’t enough, we host more than 60 esteemed restaurants from across the state serving dishes that put them on the map. Chefs are hand-smoking and hand-serving feasts of the most mouthwatering eats you can imagine. DEMOS & SEMINARS In addition to sampling unique eats from the nation's top-rated talent, get some tips to earn that extra Michelin Star for your home kitchen with our Chef Demos! Then get bubbly at a Tasting Session and sample premier spirits, wines, and beers from across the globe while learning the distillation processes behind them. FIRE PIT Our Fire Pit features bites hot off the flames and the chance to interact with pitmasters and chefs cooking over live fire. Enjoy exceptional BBQ and other dishes cooked over open flame and …
TOURISM COMMISSION | APRIL 10, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process Historic Landmark Commission Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and audiences San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Bertha Rendon Delgado, Austin Asian American Film Festival How We Preserve Be strategic and effective. • Update designation criteria to reflect modern standards • Support the stewards of Austin’s historic properties • Be strategic with review • Improve enforcement processes • Implement the plan collaboratively Especially Relevant Recommendations • Create a cultural …
MAY 23RD-26TH, 2024 BENEFITING HOT LUCK FEST | AUSTIN, TEXAS 2 ABOUT Austin is home to Hot Luck, where groundbreaking and genre-bending chefs from across the country—both emerging and established—set the stage for a weekend of live food and music events in dramatic, unforgettable environments. Hot Luck is where industry friendships and relationships are forged, and original, astonishing food is served nightly by restaurant teams from across the country to guests from around the world. Hot Luck is a hungry love letter to the city of Austin, launched in 2017 in collaboration with world- class food, music, and cultural scenes and the brainchild of pitmaster and author Aaron Franklin; Guerilla Suit owner and man about town James Moody; and Feast Portland co-founder Mike Thelin. Hot Luck is proud to benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation. In the last six years, Hot Luck has welcomed some of the world’s coolest chefs, influential media and inspiring brands to Austin every Memorial Day weekend for four days of food, music and fun. We like to think of ourselves as the backyard BBQ of food and music festivals–a place where participants and guests are excited to gather and celebrate what they love most about the worlds of food and music in a city that celebrates creativity, originality and good times. See you at Hot Luck in 2024 HOT LUCK FEST | AUSTIN, TEXAS 5 HOT LUCK FEST | AUSTIN, TEXAS 3 2023 Attendance 2023 Miscellaneous 12,000 ENTERTAINED 56% MALE 70% TEXAN 44% FEMALE 74% 25-44 IN AGE 1,200 CINDER BLOCKS USED TO BUILD FIRE PITS 1,450 LBS. BUTTER 150,000 SMILES 15,760 CANS OF RAMBLER 5,500 TORTILLAS MADE ONSITE 2400 HAWAIIAN ROLLS 850 LBS. BISON 16 LBS. CAVIAR 2,000 CHICKEN WINGS 14 BEARD WINNERS 42 FRYERS 59 PLANCHAS 25,000+ HIGH FIVES 150+ VOLUNTEERS 1,300 EARS OF CORN 1,243 LOBSTER ROLLS 1 ROVING GREEN ROOM FOR CHEFS 175+ CULINARY STUDENTS HOT LUCK FEST | AUSTIN, TEXAS HOT LUCK FEST | AUSTIN, TEXAS 4 4 2023 Media SOCIAL MEDIA PAID MEDIA 2.2M+ ORGANIC IMPRESSIONS 3.1M+ PAID ADVERTISING EARNED MEDIA 494M IMPRESSIONS NEWSLETTER 57% OPEN RATE We look forward to this event every year! Aaron does such a great job of bringing the best to Austin. Great food, great music, and most of all, great people. We’re so honored that Aaron and the Hot Luck team has chosen Southern Smoke as its beneficiary, and we are so grateful for …
CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240410-007: This set of recommendations from the Tourism Commission identify improvements to the cultural arts funding programs that will support long- standing tourism destinations in Austin with histories of diversity, equity and inclusion. WHEREAS, City of Austin is recognized for its vibrant cultural arts scene and a diverse and creative community, with a decades-long history as the cultural and counter-cultural capital of Texas which enjoys the competing mantras of “'Keep Austin Weird” and the “Live Music Capital of the World”; and WHEREAS, on June 25, 2018, Austin City Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 20180614-067, establishing the Tourism Commission “to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism” and to “advise the city council on … matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue”; and WHEREAS Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Section 351.101 (a) states that “Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry”; and WHEREAS, Austin’s tourism industry actively uses our cultural arts and live music events to promote tourism to Austin, as readily seen from Visit Austin’s website cultural events listings, including the Red River Cultural Arts District, the Zilker Theater Productions and other longstanding groups that support professional artistic jobs, generate tourism and serve audiences of both visitors and residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s cultural arts funding grant programs have made necessary changes in recent years to address historic inequities; and WHEREAS, these changes to cultural arts funding allocations do not fully account for a range of equitable considerations, such as the diversity of the audiences who enjoy the cultural arts programs or the artists who perform in the cultural arts programs, resulting in significant disruptions to long-standing cultural institutions in our community which have a demonstrated history of positive tourism impact, as well as diverse, inclusive and equitable curatorial, hiring and audience development practices; and WHEREAS, on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open‐to‐the‐public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events which are completely free and open to the public, which would include events produced by Zilker Theater Productions, Austin Shakespeare and the …
AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Madison A. Gessner TRA Executive Director Central-South Region AGENDA AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Texas Restaurant Industry Austin Who is TRA Why TRA TEXAS RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AUSTIN • There are roughly 5,100 restaurants in the Greater Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area and over 3,400 in Travis County. • There are also approximately 132k food service employees in the Austin MSA. PROTECT ADVANCE EDUCATE ADVOCACY QUESTIONS
TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240410-007 These recommendations from the Tourism Commission identify improvements to the cultural arts funding programs that will support long-standing tourism destinations in Austin with histories of diversity, equity, and inclusion. WHEREAS, City of Austin is recognized for its vibrant cultural arts scene and a diverse and creative community, with a decades-long history as the cultural and counter-cultural capital of Texas which enjoys the competing mantras of “'Keep Austin Weird” and the “Live Music Capital of the World”; and WHEREAS, on June 25, 2018, Austin City Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 20180614-067, establishing the Tourism Commission “to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism” and to “advise the city council on … matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue”; and WHEREAS Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Section 351.101 (a) states that “Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry”; and WHEREAS, Austin’s tourism industry actively uses our cultural arts and live music events to promote tourism to Austin, as readily seen from Visit Austin’s website cultural events listings, including the Red River Cultural Arts District, the Zilker Hillside Theater Productions and other longstanding groups that support professional artistic jobs, generate tourism and serve audiences of both visitors and residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s cultural arts funding grant programs have made necessary changes in recent years to address historic inequities; and WHEREAS, these changes to cultural arts funding allocations do not fully account for a range of equitable considerations, such as the diversity of the audiences who enjoy the cultural arts programs or the artists who perform in the cultural arts programs, resulting in significant disruptions to long-standing cultural institutions in our community which have a demonstrated history of positive tourism impact, as well as diverse, inclusive and equitable curatorial, hiring and audience development practices; and WHEREAS, on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open‐to‐the‐public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events which are completely free and open to the public, which would include events produced by Zilker Theater Productions, Austin Shakespeare and the Red River Cultural District, …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD March 13, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair Aileen Bazan Mike Cannatti Stefani Mathis John Riedie Bishop Chappell Ed Bailey, Vice Chair Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Anna Panossian Christian Tschoepe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on February 14, 2024. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of the Red River Cultural District regarding City Council’s vote in support of a city funding. Presentation by Dr. Karl Gebhardt, Chair of the University of Texas at Austin Department of Astronomy, regarding the importance of the upcoming April 8,2024 Eclipse. Presentation by Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin, regarding an update on the Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID) and tourism impact in Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation from the Parks and Environment Working Group regarding how to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. Discussion and approval of the remaining 2024 calendar dates for the Tourism Commission meeting dates and location changes, if necessary. Discussion and approval of the upcoming Agenda topics for the 2024 calendar year for editing or approving of agenda topics. WORKING GROUPS Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding STRs recommendations. Update from the Parks and Environment Working Group regarding the recent recommendation and dissolving of the working group. call FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with …
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS March 7, 2024 PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 1 | Page Table of Contents Introduction A. Directive from Tourism Commission B. Overview of Working Group Recommendation Process C. Overview Description of Parks and Environment Funding Opportunities Exhibit A - Parks and Environment Working Group Recommendations Identifying Park Amenities to Leverage Tourism Funding for Park-Specific Projects I. PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2 | Page I. Introduction This document provides recommendations from the Parks and Environment Working Group to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. The document was prepared as a collaborative effort of the appointed members of the Parks and Environment Working Group which currently includes Commissioners Ronan and Cannatti, and also includes community/stakeholder representatives Molly Alexander (formerly, Downtown Austin), Hanna Cofer (The Trail Conservancy), George Cofer (formerly, Hill Country Conservancy), Clark Hancock (Save Barton Creek Association), Kayla Reese (Austin Parks Foundation), Ted Siff (Shoal Creek Conservancy), Chuck Smith (Pease Park Conservancy), and Scott Joslove (Texas Hotel and Lodging Association). A. Directive from Tourism Commission On February 20, 2020, the Tourism Commission appointed the Parks and Environment Working Group look into (1) Chapter 351 funding options for using hotel occupancy tax funds to benefit parks and/or environment, (2) Chapter 334 funding options for using hotel occupancy tax funds to benefit parks/environment, (3) park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park- specific projects, and (4) Palm Park HOT funding options. On May 10, 2021, the Working Group presented a set of recommendations for Topics 1-2 that were adopted by the Tourism Commission for recommendation to Council. However, the Working Group did not address Topics 3 or 4. Accordingly, the Working Group has not been closed since these topics remained to be addressed. B. Overview of Working Group Recommendation Process With discussions initiated on July 26, 2022, the Working Group has worked virtually to explore Topic 3 for the purpose of identifying park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects. This topic is not limited to the hotel occupancy tax funding constraints provided by Chapters 351 and 334 of the Texas Tax Code, but should explore other funding sources. While there was an interruption in their work in late 2022, the Working Group has since worked collaboratively to identify and recommend a number of potential funding sources, starting with funding …
CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240313-XXX: These recommendations from the Tourism Commission’s Parks and Environment Working Group identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park- specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. WHEREAS, the City of Austin is regarded as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the country, with our parks, preserves, open spaces, waterways, spring-fed pools and greenbelt trails attracting tourists and citizens alike to Austin’s parks and environment; WHEREAS, Austin’s tourism industry actively uses our parks and environmental attractions to promote tourism to Austin, as readily seen from Visit Austin’s website listing Austin parks and environmental attractions (https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/history/austin-parks-recreation/), featuring Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Mt. Bonnell, Lady Bird Lake Butler Trail, and many more; WHEREAS, traditional funding sources for parks and environment spaces have struggled to keep up with our growing city, and have even dwindled over the years, especially with recent state law changes which prevent the City of Austin from collecting parkland development funds, decreasing the amount of parkland the city can require, and limiting the ability of municipalities to raise property tax revenue that could otherwise be used to pay for park and environment projects; and WHEREAS, the Tourism Commission was established to provide expertise and recommendations to the City Council concerning issues related to and that promote tourism, and in this role, seeks to find ways for both the tourism industry and the citizens of Austin to benefit; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Environment Working Group was appointed to prepare recommendations to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Tourism Commission encourages the Austin City Council to consider and direct staff to consider the funding opportunities in the Parks and Environment Working Group Recommendations (attached) for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
WORKING DOCUMENT: Tourism Commission Road Map April 2024 – December 2024 Agenda Topics, Potential Speakers & Community Presenters Note: All meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:30pm in City Council Chambers (unless modified by venue availability) April 10, 2024 – A Good Time: Food & Beverage • Potential Speakers: Restaurant Associations, Food Journalists • Potential Community Presenters: Independent Restaurants May 8, 2024 – National Tourism Week: Music Makers & Marketers • Potential Speakers: Music Venues • Potential Community Presenters: Event Promoters June 12, 2024 – Cultural Hubs: Museums & Cultural Sites • Potential Speakers: Texas Association of Museums & the Texas Historical Commission • Potential Community Presenters: Museums & Independent Cultural Sites July 10, 2024 – Coming Together: Conventions & Special Events • Potential Speakers: Convention Organizers & the City of Austin Convention Center Department • Potential Community Presenters: Local Event Companies August 14, 2024 – No Meeting September 11, 2024 – Funding Austin Tourism: City HOT Tax • Potential Speakers: City of Austin Chief Financial Officer & Economic Development Department • Potential Community Presenters: Doherty Arts Center October 9, 2024 – Across the Town: From Districts to Downtown • Potential Speakers: City of Austin Economist, Downtown Austin Alliance & • Potential Community Presenters: Palm District Cultural Organizations & Preservation Austin Local Tour Guides November 13, 2024 – Open Topic • Potential Speakers: • Potential Community Presenters: December 11, 2024 – Proposed: No Meeting 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Austin 2024 Total Eclipse April 8, 1:36pm - 1:38pm, totality in Austin downtown April 8, 12:17pm – 2:58pm, duration of eclipse About 2 minutes of totality Glasses or viewers always on if looking at Sun, except during totality Austin had a total eclipse in 1397, next in 2343 Texas had total eclipse in 1900, next in 2045 (barely touches panhandle) Info and training at: https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/eclipse Simons Foundation Site at https://www.inthepathoftotality.org/ Austin 2024 Total Eclipse Austin 2024 Total Eclipse Austin 2024 Total Eclipse Air will cool Feel like dusk/dawn Possibly see Sun’s corona See planets and bright stars If you don’t have solar viewing glasses, use a tree and look at the ground! My porch from the Oct 14, 2023, annular eclipse Austin 2024 Total Eclipse 12:20pm 1:37pm 2:55pm Use Solar Glasses!!! Use Solar Glasses!!! Use Naked Eye during Totality
CITY OF AUSTIN TOURISM COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240313-005: These recommendations from the Tourism Commission’s Parks and Environment Working Group identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park- specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. WHEREAS, the City of Austin is regarded as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the country, with our parks, preserves, open spaces, waterways, spring-fed pools and greenbelt trails attracting tourists and citizens alike to Austin’s parks and environment; WHEREAS, Austin’s tourism industry actively uses our parks and environmental attractions to promote tourism to Austin, as readily seen from Visit Austin’s website listing Austin parks and environmental attractions (https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/history/austin-parks-recreation/), featuring Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Mt. Bonnell, Lady Bird Lake Butler Trail, and many more; WHEREAS, traditional funding sources for parks and environment spaces have struggled to keep up with our growing city, and have even dwindled over the years, especially with recent state law changes which prevent the City of Austin from collecting parkland development funds, decreasing the amount of parkland the city can require, and limiting the ability of municipalities to raise property tax revenue that could otherwise be used to pay for park and environment projects; and WHEREAS, the Tourism Commission was established to provide expertise and recommendations to the City Council concerning issues related to and that promote tourism, and in this role, seeks to find ways for both the tourism industry and the citizens of Austin to benefit; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Environment Working Group was appointed to prepare recommendations to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Tourism Commission encourages the Austin City Council to consider and direct staff to consider the funding opportunities in the Parks and Environment Working Group Recommendations (attached) for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. Date of Approval: __3/13/2024___________________________ Record of the vote: 9- 0 approved vote Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
INTRODUCING OUR C.U.T. 2.0 Age 25+ | $75K+ HHI Travel Lover + Music/Sports/Food/Adventure Enthusiast 57% Female (116i) | 43% Male (84i) 67% Identified As Parents (94i) Hispanic Black Asian White 131i | 15% 124i | 12% 119i | 6% 94i | 75% Our C.U.T 2.0 audience is inspired to travel and searching far and wide for a perfect destination. The cities they choose to travel to and what they're looking for are direct reflections of their own identity. Immersive Traveler Travel is more than taking a trip, it's experiencing a place and everything unique that place has to offer. Creative Planner No stranger to the research rabbit holes - planning the trip is just as exciting as the trip itself. Trailblazer Vacation is a self expression of originality. Bring on the thrills that differentiate from the rest. Tech Aficionado Technology is integral to my life, it keeps me connected online and off from getting me to a trip to getting me around on the trip. Nothing I do is done without technology. *Ethnicity data includes those who identify as more than one race Source: 2023 MRI-Simmons Spring Double Base USA INTRODUCING OUR C.U.T. 2.0 Travelers Tina and Su live in NYC and are planning their Summer getaway. They are certified foodies; Tina is always on top of all the hottest restaurants in town and Su is working on perfecting his smoked brisket recipe. Su’s family originated from Cameroon, so soccer reigns supreme. Nate is looking to dodge the Seattle rain and extend his days of sunshine before August ends. He wants to spend his mornings walking trails and chasing sunrises, while spending his evenings immersed in live music. Nate has an adventurous spirit and is always on the hunt for the greatest local gems. Food trucks and pop ups are his jam! The school year is ending in a few weeks, and the Vargas family is looking for a perfect vacation spot the entire family can enjoy over the summer. Outdoor lovers and looking to disconnect from school and demanding careers in tech, they are looking forward to spending the day at the lakes and waterparks.
TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (13, MARCH 2024) TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 13, MARCH 2024 The TOURISM COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 13, MARCH 2024, at 301 w. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Chair, Daniel Ronan called the TOURISM COMMISSION Meeting to order at 2:31 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners Ed Bailey, Mike Cannatti, Greg Chanon, Bishop Chappell, Anna Panossian, Daniel Ronan, and Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Aileen Bazan and Stefani Mathis Board Members/Commissioners Absence: Commissioners Rachel Magee and John Riedie APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the TOURISM COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on February 14, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 2/14/2024 were approved on Commissioner Chappell’s motion and Vice Chair Bailey’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Aileen Bazan and Greg Chanon were off the dais and Rachel Magee and John Riedie were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS variety of items Presentation by Tom Noonan - President and CEO, Steve Genovesi - Executive Vice President and Shelley Hall - Vice President of Marketing of the Visit Austin organization regarding an update on the Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID) and tourism impact in Austin. Discussed a brief update of the Red River Cultural District regarding City Council’s vote in support of city funding. Presentation by Dr. Karl Gebhardt, Chair of the University of Texas at Austin Department of Astronomy, regarding the importance of the upcoming April 8,2024 Eclipse. 2. 3. 4. 1 (13, MARCH 2024) TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. The Approval of a recommendation from the Parks and Environment Working Group regarding how to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community. a. The motion to approve the recommendation from the Parks and Environment Working Group regarding how to identify park amenities to leverage tourism funding for park-specific projects that can benefit parks and environment in our community was approved on Commissioner Panossian’s motion, Commissioner Cannatti’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Rachel Magee and John Riedie were absent. 6. 7. Discussed the remaining 2024 calendar dates for the Tourism Commission meeting dates and location changes. Discussed the upcoming Agenda topics for the 2024 calendar year for editing or approving of agenda topics. a. Food and Beverage – Inviting Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau b. Board Elections in April c. Training Requirements by May 10, 2024 …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD February 14, 2024, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair Aileen Bazan Mike Cannatti Stefani Mathis John Riedie Bishop Chappell Ed Bailey, Vice Chair Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Anna Panossian Christian Tschoepe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on January 10, 2024. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Nicole Klepaldo, Interim Executive Director with the Red River Cultural District to present an overview of their organization. Presentation by Natalia Morgan, Donor and Membership Manager for the Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Foundation to reveal their upcoming music exhibition. Economist Report Presentation by Matt Patton with Angelou Economics regarding the Austin Tourism and Implications for the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation from the Short-Term Rental (STR) Working Group regarding short-term rentals in the city of Austin and how to address challenges to unlicensed STRs in Austin, Texas. Discussion and possible action regarding 2024 Tourism Commission calendar for altering or approving the calendar as is. Discussion and possible action regarding upcoming Agenda topics for the 2024 calendar year for editing or approving of agenda topics. WORKING GROUPS Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group. Update from the Parks and Environment Working Group. call FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 …
OUR MISSION The Red River Cultural District is a creative community providing authentic Austin experiences through diverse local music, art and food for every fan and guest. In an ever-changing ATX, our nonprofit seeks to preserve and grow Red River's creative, business, and music scene. As a community rooted in artists, musicians, performers, music venues, cultural institutions and small businesses, the District embodies the soul and heart of Austin. WHO is the RED RIVER Cultural District The District is managed by the Red River Merchant’s Association, a coalition of 50+ businesses including live music venues, food, hospitality, entertainment businesses and also the Austin Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society and Waterloo Greenway. The District was designated a State Cultural District in 2020 by the Texas Commision on the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin in 2013. RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Conserve Austin's only walkable live music hub of over dozen independent music venues • Support thousands of local musicians and performers annually through direct financial support • Foster 1000+ music and service industry jobs in the district • Backbone to major tourism and economic generators including SXSW, ACL, Levitation, Oblivion Access, GTHS Oktoberfest and more RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Local, State, and Federal Policy advocacy for live music ecosystem and small and local business assistance • Creative economy hub including opportunities for photographers, video production, designers, fashion, artists, and more • Destination for local and Texas music heritage • Industry Development Incubator RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • $200K in direct pandemic relief to music and service industry to 3,000 individuals served • Curb appeal, district identify and safety enhancements $1.5M+ improvements • Local, State, Federal Policy and Program Advocacy and Education FREE Signature Music Festivals Our premier all-ages district-wide festivals Free Week and Hot Summer Nights fuel community growth in the traditionally dog-days of summer and dead of winter. • Support with direct payment 300+ musicians, artists, and performers per festival over 3 days • Average 15,000+ attendees of locals and visitors • Leverage industry support and causes through partnerships • Average 15-25% first time performers during either fest Hot Summer Nights 2023 Highlights 30+ Million media impressions in July alone including the front page of the Austin Chronicle Total Participating Venues: 14 total (largest participation yet) Total Music Acts: 130 Our largest Hot Summer Nights Estimated total …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Tourism Commission Recommendation Number: 20240214-005: The STR Working group outlines a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges posed by unlicensed short-term rentals (STRs) in Austin, Texas. The goal is to foster a responsible and sustainable STR ecosystem that benefits both the tourism industry and residents. WHEREAS, STRs operate in Austin, leading to lost revenue from hotel occupancy taxes, permit fees, and indirect costs such as increased enforcement and strain on City infrastructure; WHEREAS, Unreliable data hinders accurate estimates of lost tax revenue and poses risks related to inaccurate property information, host background checks, and health hazards; and WHEREAS, Legal limitations, such as the Zaatari vs. City of Austin case, restrict the City's ability to directly eliminate Type 2 STR licenses. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Tourism Commission recommends the City Council: • Require more information from applicants for STR licenses and maintain a database; Focus on underreported Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) which leads to a loss in revenue. While the revenue generated from permit fees may seem insignificant compared to HOT revenue, permit fees are crucial in driving license adoption. This, in turn, helps drive compliance for licenses and maximizes HOT revenue, leading to a more efficient and effective system; • Enhance transparency and streamline licensing by simplifying the application process, implementing online systems, and addressing open citations by implementing an efficient tax and permit fee system; Prioritize safety and community well-being by upholding safety regulations through proactive inspections, addressing noise complaints, and promoting responsible guest behavior; Foster collaborative partnerships by building strategic partnerships with platforms, neighborhood associations, and the Austin Police Department; • • • 1 DRAFT • Rectify open citations held by non-compliant hosts and ensure accurate property listings via an accountable process to notify short-term rental platforms to remove hosts as appropriate. Once the necessary validations are completed, the property listings may be reposted; • Implement platform fees and hold platforms accountable for aiding non-compliance; • Explore innovative funding models for cultural & arts preservation and offering discounts and incentives for compliant and sustainable STRs; • Create performance benchmarks and an honorary "Best Practices" badge for STRs that consistently meet performance benchmarks; and • Continuously assess and adapt to changes in the Austin STR ecosystem by maintaining open communication channels, leveraging data-driven insights, and embracing consistent program review and adaptation. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a …
