Tourism Improvement District a Step Closer to Actuality

The establishment of a Conejo Valley Tourism Improvement District is one step closer to reality.

At the June 12 City Council meeting, Assistant City Manger Nathan Hamburger provided an update on the issue, stating that the addition of the $1 fee–a T.O.T. (transit occupancy tax)–tacked on to overnight hotel stays would raise over $450,000 annually for the city. That money would, in turn, go back into marketing tourism in the Conejo Valley.

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce is overseeing the project.

“The [chamber] has never had an organized effort to encourage business, sports, family and leisure travelers to stay in our hotels, hike our amazing trails, try our restaurants and hold their events here," Jill Lederer, chamber CEO, told Patch.  "Just staying one extra night in a local hotel is a huge economic multiplier for the community.  This will provide extra layers of outreach that will encourage group sales, weddings, eco-tourists and international travelers among others to consider our classy yet casual area."

The Hotel Association will be made up of representatives from the local hotels and partners and the strategy will be executed by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lederer said.

City Council members spoke in favor of moving forward.

"This is money well spent," said Councilmember John Edelston. "It supports the community by encouraging people to take advantage of the services, the beauty that surrounds us ... stay locally, eat locally."

The issue will again be discussed at the July 8 meeting.