County Council Approves 2% Hotel Tax Increase

    DECEMBER 4, 2012- Erie County Council members voted unanimously and approved a 2% hotel tax increase.

    The current hotel tax sits at 5%.

    With this increase, the hotel tax will go up to 7%

     According to County Council officials, over the year the tax brought in nearly $2.6 million dollars.

    County Council officials say $1 million more dollars could be made from that tax.

    Funds raised from the 2 percent increase will go to Visit Erie for tourism, marketing and promotions.

    The first 5% was split with 80% going to the Convention Center Authority.

    Officials hope that the money raised from the tax will drive up revenue and tourism to Erie, making it a year round tourist attraction.

    The Tax is also expected to bring in more jobs, not just seasonal, but year round.

    Visit Erie officials say with the revenue earned, they could beat out competitors in Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

County Council members say they will double check the progress of this tax, and quarterly updates will be provided to them.

    The tax is said to begin on December 9^th, 2012.