MARIETTA - The Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau returned another $8,418 to the city of Marietta because of hotel tax revenue was higher than projections.
Of the 6 percent room tax charged by the city, 3 percent goes to the bureau. The bureau has given $19,981 to the city of Marietta this year.
The increase in revenues has benefited Marietta and the CVB tremendously, said Chuck Swaney, president of the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors. Like the city, the surplus in funds for the CVB is a blessing.
With additional funds, the CVB addressed critical infrastructure needs and increased its marketing spend.
According to Jeri Knowlton, executive director of the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the increase allowed the bureau to address critical needs and to plan and prepare for the future.
The CVB still has critical infrastructure needs that will need addressed in order to continue to provide 21st century solutions to 21st century traveler expectations, said Knowlton.
Collections for November were $41,144, an increase of more than 33 percent from the same time period in 2011.
In 2012, there were 104 more hotel rooms in Marietta than in 2011. Another 104 rooms will be added next year.
