Funding Futures: Dedicated Funding and Tax Increment Financing
In the research study “Funding Futures” released by Civitas, Miles Partnership, Tourism Economics, and an expert team of organizations and supporters, we have examined a wide range of various funding options for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to explore. Since the release of the report in August 2020, the “Funding Futures” team has been hosting a […]
Funding Futures: Building Reserves & Short-Term Rental Revenue
In partnership with Miles Partnership, Tourism Economics, Civitas released a new research study entitled “Funding Futures,” highlighting funding options for state and local DMOs as we navigate the industry crisis posed by COVID-19. The report not only highlighted critical areas of concern, but also offered ideas and opportunities for DMOs to “build back better,” encouraging […]
Mobile, AL – First Tourism Improvement District in the State
Mobile’s tourism and lodging industries are celebrating an initiative they say will increase the amount of revenue Visit Mobile had to spend on marketing itself to potential visitors. Civitas joined forces with Kent “Spike” Blackinton, President of the Mobile Area Lodging Association, Margo Gilbert, General Manager of the Renaissance Battle House Hotel, along with Visit […]
Congratulations to Visit Baltimore!
Civitas works with hundreds of business improvement districts of all shapes and sizes each year, helping them form, renew or modify. We recognize the immeasurable effort and time that goes into this process and as a team, we have deliberated to determine one district formation that stood out with Excellence in Collaboration, Excellence in Commitment, Excellence in Innovation, and Excellence in […]
New Funding for Texas DMOs: Tourism Public Improvement Districts
Texas destination marketing and management organizations now have another funding source to consider when evaluating opportunities to increase their annual budgets! These innovative funding sources, Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), provide an unparalleled opportunity to increase demand for area hotel activity. Through enhanced funding for marketing and sales programming, destinations can attract additional group meetings, […]
Stepping Into the Future: Dana Point’s Transformative Decision
“Modernization” can be a daunting word, but not for Visit Dana Point Executive Director, Jonny Westom. Back in 2009, Visit Dana Point began as a Tourism Business Improvement District (“TBID”) formed under California’s Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (“89 Act”). The destination envisioned a high end, meetings focused, sales and marketing plan […]
Monterey County CVB: Conquering Challenges for a Stronger District
Monterey County offers an iconic California experience. From the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur and fresh seafood on Cannery Row in Monterey, to world renowned golf courses in Carmel-by-the-Sea and handcrafted wines in Carmel Valley – Monterey County has something special for everyone who visits. The Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau (“MCCVB”) has an abundance […]
Stability & Sufficiency: Upgrading Your 89 Act District
When Business Improvement District leaders approach Civitas to discuss their funding mechanism, the words we use most are “stability” and “sufficiency”. Does your organization have a stable budget? How reliable are your funding streams? Can those funds be diverted, or not renewed by vote of the City Council or Board of Supervisors? Does your organization […]
California’s Tourism Industry Approves Funding for Another Six Years
For Destination Organizations, stable funding is a critical element when implementing promotional efforts for your community. Yet many destinations continue to struggle to maintain state and local financing dedicated to tourism promotion on an annual basis. The California tourism industry refused to be one of those destinations. Just this week, Visit California announced that the […]
John Lambeth Speaks on DMOU with Bill Geist: Tourism Improvement Districts
Civitas President & CEO, John Lambeth, had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Geist, Chief Instigator at DMOproz (aka Zeitgeist Consulting), on the topic of Tourism Improvement Districts. On this episode of DMOU, John shares the genesis of the concept, how DMOs can begin down the path and some exciting news regarding how the Improvement […]
