Think of tourism as a bridge to a better economy. At the bridge entrance you have a the toll booth operator. In this metaphor, this is the lodging properties collecting the fee to help cover the community costs of hosting the visitor beyond the lodging costs-police, fire, sewer, water, roads and funding the expansion of the tourism economy.
On the other side of the bridge you have ALL the other sectors that benefit from tourism-tour operators, restaurants, retailers, entertainment venues & more. According to Boulder, Colorado research firm RRC’s recent survey of visitors to Bend, the businesses BESIDES the lodging properties benefit from 61 percent of the tourist spend. 61 percent is spent beyond the toll booth operator. 61 percent is spent at the over 200 restaurants and retailers in Downtown Bend. 61 percent helps employ hundreds of people at those businesses.
I request that we have an equitable debate. Let the public hear the voice of the 61 percent, the majority, and don’t let the vociferous voices of opposition of the minority rule the conversation. Don’t let the toll booth operator decide for the whole community who gets over the bridge to the rest of us. I request that Bend City Council do the responsible action and put this issue to the voters to decide.
