Higher Hotel Tax Would Boost Tourism Promotion - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Erie County Council next week is expected to give final approval to increasing the county's hotel tax.

 Governor Tom Corbett has already signed the legislation boosting the tax from 5% to 7%. But council must sign off on the deal.

The increase is expected to bring in an additional $1 million for tourism promotion. That will more than double the current budget.

 VisitErie leaders say the money will mean much better marketing of Erie in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Ontario.

 John Oliver of VisitErie said, "While we have promoted there, it has been somewhat inconsistent since we have not had the funds to promote us as a year-round destination and to use more than one form of media."

 A key goal is to increase visitor spending, currently at $900 million annually in Erie County.