This joint report from U.S. Travel and Civitas examines changes in lodging taxes across 100 U.S. destinations and how those revenues are allocated. It finds that most rate increases occur at the city and county level, not statewide, and that more than half of new revenue is directed back to tourism promotion or related programs. The study includes regional comparisons, trend data from 2018 through 2025, and detailed rate breakdowns for each destination. It also spotlights emerging statewide assessment models in places like Washington and California that may shape future tourism funding structures. Together, these findings provide a clear picture of how local tax policies influence destination competitiveness and tourism investment.

This white paper by Tourism Economics, in partnership with STR and Civitas, quantifies the measurable benefits of Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) across 100 U.S. cities over 30 years. It finds that destinations with TIDs consistently outperform those without, generating 2.1% higher room demand, 4.5% greater hotel revenue, and stronger long-term economic growth. Case studies from cities like Denver, San Antonio, and San Francisco show how TIDs drive local tax revenue, fund infrastructure, and expand marketing reach. The report highlights TIDs as stable, industry-driven funding tools that protect tourism budgets from government diversion. It positions TIDs as both a recovery and growth mechanism for destination competitiveness and community prosperity.

This Longwoods International report chronicles how Colorado’s elimination of its state tourism marketing budget in the early 1990s led to a sharp decline in visitation, billions in lost revenue, and a diminished national profile. It follows the state’s path to recovery after funding was restored, documenting strong returns on investment and a full rebound in market share. The report also details how efforts to replace public funding with private-sector support failed, underscoring the importance of coordinated, statewide promotion. Through decades of data, it provides one of the clearest demonstrations of the economic consequences of cutting tourism marketing.

A high-level synthesis of research on the broad social and economic benefits of destination promotion. This report documents how tourism marketing positively impacts community quality of life, resident sentiment, tax revenue, business development, and more. Based on real case studies across North America, the report illustrates how strategic promotion supports placemaking and destination branding, especially in mid-sized and emerging markets.

This flagship report outlines the far-reaching, community-wide benefits of destination promotion. It features quantitative and qualitative analysis across seven thematic chapters covering tax revenue, workforce development, culture, economic growth, brand perception, and tourism improvement district (TID) impact. The report provides compelling proof that destination promotion delivers value beyond hospitality metrics, influencing quality of life, community pride, and business development.

Arizona’s tourism industry drives billions in spending, tax revenue, and local jobs, but other states are gaining ground. HB 2873 offers a powerful new way to compete. This bill would allow Arizona cities to create Tourism Improvement Areas (TIAs), a self-sustaining funding source that supports marketing, events, and infrastructure without relying on taxpayer dollars.

Across the U.S., communities with TIAs have seen stronger hotel demand, new revenue, and long-term growth. By adopting TIAs, Arizona could generate more than $140 million in new tax revenue while keeping its tourism economy strong and competitive.

This presentation, based on Longwoods’ work with over 70 destinations, explains how to effectively use data to defend tourism funding in high-stakes budget conversations. It centers on Colorado’s funding collapse in the 1990s as a cautionary tale and offers a repeatable framework for using visitor research, economic impact, and storytelling to justify tourism investment in modern-day debates.

This comprehensive econometric report analyzes the return on investment for Brand USA’s marketing efforts in fiscal year 2024. The analysis combines survey data, market performance metrics, and mobile device tracking to quantify how Brand USA influenced international travel to the U.S. It reveals that Brand USA’s efforts generated 1.6 million incremental visits and $5.9 billion in visitor spending, with a $23.37 ROI per dollar invested. It also contextualizes U.S. market performance globally, citing shifts in market share, especially from Asia and Latin America.

Tourism funding is shifting nationwide, with 221 TIDs now operating across 25 states and new legislation emerging every year. This section helps destinations understand how TID models work, analyze the legal stability of their revenue streams, and evaluate risks such as legislative or local government action. Use this framework to benchmark funding stability and strengthen long-term financial resilience.

Destination organizations face intensifying pressure as traditional public funding becomes more politically vulnerable and subject to diversion. This section outlines the shifting funding landscape, including rising competition for public dollars, philosophical opposition to tourism spending, and new laws that reallocate bed tax revenue, and explores stable, proactive solutions such as TIDs, assessments, increment financing, and diversified private revenue. Learn how destinations can build long-term funding stability through stronger advocacy, trust-building, and data-backed strategies.