What Is a Tourism Business Improvement District?

By Robert Palmer

Are you a tourism business owner looking to improve your local area? Have you ever heard of a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID)?

A TBID is a unique way for businesses to work together to enhance the visitor experience in a specific area. In this article, we’ll dive into what exactly a TBID is, how it works, and its benefits.

What Is a Tourism Business Improvement District?

A TBID is a self-assessment district where businesses within a specific geographic area agree to pay an additional fee on top of their regular taxes. The funds collected from these fees are then used towards enhancing tourism in the area. These funds can be used for various things such as marketing efforts, events, beautification projects, and more.

How Does It Work?

The creation of a TBID usually starts with local businesses coming together with the support of their city or county government. Once there is enough interest and support, the city or county will create a TBID ordinance that outlines the boundaries of the district and the assessment rate each business will pay.

Once established, an advisory board made up of local business owners oversees how the funds are spent within the district. The board will work with local organizations, such as chambers of commerce or tourism bureaus, to identify areas in need of improvement and allocate funds accordingly.

The Benefits

The primary benefit of a TBID is that it provides additional funds for tourism-related improvements that otherwise may not have been possible. By working together as a community, businesses can enhance the visitor experience in their area and attract more tourists.

Additionally, TBIDs can help create jobs within the community by supporting local businesses. By improving the overall tourism experience in an area, visitors are more likely to return and even recommend it to others.

Conclusion

In summary, a Tourism Business Improvement District is an effective way for businesses to work together and enhance tourism in their local area. By pooling funds, businesses can make improvements that benefit not only their individual businesses but the entire community. If you’re a tourism business owner, consider looking into establishing a TBID in your area and start making a positive impact on your local tourism industry today.