Strategic Tourism Implementation Grant Awarded to Examine Issue of Tourism Improvement District

The Legislature, by a vote of 13-1 (Legislator Dan Klein opposed), awarded the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau a nearly $34,000 2019 Strategic Tourism Implementation Grant (funded through County Room Occupancy Tax funds) for professional services to examine the issue of formation of a Tompkins County “Tourism Improvement District” as a potential way to support costs for a future conference center.  Funding exists within the 2019 Tourism Program budget.  Legislator Klein said he was uncomfortable moving the matter forward without further discussion, and that he wants tourism money to support direct programs.