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Occupancy Tax Revenues in Blowing Rock Increase 5.5 Percent in 2014, Steady Year-Over-Year Growth Since 2008

Feb. 6, 2015. Occupancy tax revenues in Blowing Rock increased by 5.5 percent in 2014 from the previous year, and returned to pre-recession levels, according to the annual report prepared by the TDA. 2014 was also the fifth consecutive year of gains after revenues fell from their peak in 2007, TDA Board Chair Kent Tarbutton said.

In addition to achieving the forecasted gains in revenue, Tarbutton also cited accomplishments for the year such as the redesign of three web sites, Blowingrock.com, BlueridgeWineFestival.com and BlowingRockWinterfest.com; a major feature in US Airways Magazine; the completion of a survey on visitors’ culinary preferences by East Carolina University; and record participation in September’s Mayview Madness 5K and Kids Fun Run.

The following chart shows annual occupancy tax revenues from 2005 to 2014:

TDA

Tarbutton predicts a similar rise in tourism tax revenues for 2015 in spite of the increasing number of reservations being made on discount web sites such as Expedia and Travelocity, among a growing number of others. “The acquisition fees paid to these intermediaries have become a significant net cost against operating income, as opposed to bookings made directly at the hotel property,” Tarbutton said.

“It cannot be overstated how important it is and how appreciative we are to work with the Blowing Rock Town Council who works hard to accommodate and understand the importance of tourism to our economy. We appreciate the combined efforts of many to maintain a positive focus and direction for the future. The efforts on infrastructure investment planning and in creating a comprehensive 10-year plan make a big difference, and will continue to make Blowing Rock the most attractive place to be in 2015,” Tarbutton said. 

The Blowing Rock TDA is a quasi-local government agency funded through occupancy taxes paid by visitors staying in local lodging establishments. The TDA operates the official Blowing Rock Visitor Center in the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and promotes the Town through marketing, advertising, public and media relations efforts.

For more information on the 2014 TDA Annual Report, contact Tracy Brown at 295.4636 or tbrown@visitblowingrock.com.