VOTE YES TO RENEW NOVEMBER 7
This is not a new tax and paid primarily by visitors
On November 7th, voters in Stone and Taney Counties will have the opportunity to VOTE YES to RENEW the Tourism Community Enhancement District tax (also known as the TCED). This 1% funding stream is dedicated to marketing the Branson/Lakes Area and has helped attract millions of additional visitors since its inception in 2005. The TCED has increased our community’s exposure across the United States (and the world), while locally improving the lives of residents.
HOW THE TCED HELPS ALL OF US
Residents enjoy world-class attractions, theatres, and restaurants
Increased visitation means tourists help cover costs of roads, sewer, police and fire
New and expanded facilities at CoxHealth, Mercy and more
The RecPlex, Hiking Trails, Parks, Lake Facilities, Ballparks of America
Major departments stores and malls normally reserved for large cities
Protects property values, favorable insurance rates, and improved police protection.
Big city amenities in a small-town atmosphere
Since 2005, tourism to the Branson/Lakes Area is up 38% nearing 10M visitors
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the TCED Tax Sunset?
Yes, per the original 2005 ballot language, the TCED funding stream sunsets every 10 years unless renewed by voters.
Is this a new tax for Stone and Taney County residents?
What areas are included in the TCED?
The TCED taxing district is focused on the areas in Stone and Taney counties where tourists visit the most while enjoying the destination. The boundaries stretch from Table Rock Lake to Branson Hills and run from Silver Dollar City/Indian Point to the Branson Landing. Click here for an informational video.
How does the TCED impact Branson’s Tourism Tax?
“Prior to formation of the TCED, the City of Branson had implemented a 4% city-wide tourism tax for the purposes of destination marketing (25%) and infrastructure improvements and maintenance (75%). Since that tax was collected on attractions, theater admissions and restaurants, those entities within the city limits already collecting 1% for destination marketing were excluded from the new Tourism District tax. However, all retail sales outlets within the city collect and remit the 1% Tourism District tax to help support the flow of area visitors to their doors (BLATCED.com, 2023).”
Who ensures the dollars are spent effectively to market the destination to America?
The Tourism Community Enhancement District is governed by a seven-person board of directors with representatives from: Stone County (1), Taney County (1), Village of Indian Point (2), and the City of Branson (3).
“TCED Board of Directors receive input and recommendations from the Marketing Oversight Committee (MOC), a volunteer group of marketing, advertising, sales, and public relations professionals within the community. The MOC meets at least bi-monthly to review and recommend destination marketing programs and monitor progress. They provide guidance, oversight, and expertise regarding marketing strategy, planning and destination development opportunities for our region. The business leaders who serve on the MOC have a vested interest in the effective marketing of our area and are committed to making the entire Branson/Lakes area stronger and more successful.
The TCED’s Board of Directors also relies on an appointed Financial Oversight Committee to provide input and recommendations regarding the budgeting, finance, banking, insurance and audit functions of the Tourism District. Their primary role is to provide business expertise, outside perspective and critical oversight for the important and significant financial management efforts of the Tourism District. The Board depends on this group to review the details of contracts, audits, and many other significant financial efforts of the Tourism District (BLATCED 2023).”
Who is currently on the TCED Board of Directors?
A list of TCED board members, Finance Oversight Committee (FOC) volunteer leaders, and Marketing Oversight Committee (MOC) professionals can be found here.
What type of marketing services are the 1% tourism district tax used on?
The TCED exists to maximize the dollars made available for marketing the Branson/Lakes Area and to ensure those dollars are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. Using research, industry best practices, and oversight from government/appointed officials, a marketing strategy is executed by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, click here.
