The Economic Case For Tourism Improvement Districts

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.