In response to Mr. Kaill’s June 13 letter to the editor, we’d like to correct some inaccurate information about the lodging tax. We’d also like to thank him for asking the important question regarding visitors to the San Juans, “How much is enough?” And, we’d like to relate what the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, along with other islands organizations, are doing to address this timely question.
In his letter Mr. Kaill stated, “…it is mandatory that all proceeds from the lodging tax go into tourist promotion in one form or another.” Not accurate. More than half of the lodging taxes collected by the county and Town of Friday Harbor are invested in places other than pure marketing or promotion. Historically, these funds have been used to support local organizations and special projects such as:
- County parks and fair
- Orcas Island and San Juan Island film festivals
- Performing arts centers
- Museums
- Island Stage Left
- Master Gardeners Foundation
- San Juan Islands Ag Guild
- Summer Arts Festivals
- Environmental Organizations, for signage
- Glen Wood Springs Hatchery
- County Public Works, for Visitor Education & Parking
- Chambers of Commerce
- …. and many more
This year, over 30 entities received lodging tax funds. Uses for these funds are limited per Washington State RCW 67.28.1816. Lodging tax funds also have been used locally for infrastructure such as parking, operations and public amenities. This tax comes from visitors who stay in our hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.
Only 31 percent of county and 40 percent of town lodging tax funds go to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau for promotion of visitation to the islands, focused on our shoulder seasons, and visitation to the museums, theaters, festivals and events on the above list.
The SJIVB is part of the “over-tourism” dialogue with local land managers. SJIVB encouraged San Juan County to include a tourism master plan as part of the county’s comprehensive plan update. The plan will solicit important public input regarding the future direction of tourism in the islands. This plan, along with a lodging tax-funded visitor study, will help our various communities answer for themselves the pressing question “How much is enough?”
Deborah Hopkins Buchanan, Executive Director
Barbara Marrett, Communications & Stewardship Manager
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
