We’re pleased to congratulate David Clark and the entire Visit Mobile team on the successful renewal of the Mobile Tourism Improvement District (MTID)! With outstanding collaboration with city leadership, including Mayor Sandy Stimpson and the entire City Council (with special recognition to Councilman Cory Penn), this renewal represents more than just a win. It’s an affirmation of Mobile’s tourism leadership, resilience, and forward-thinking financial planning.
With the renewal, Mobile has adopted a unique, phased assessment model for its five-year term:
• Year 1: 1%
• Year 2: 1.5%
• Year 3 and beyond: 2%
This gradual increase ensures a smooth transition for stakeholders while significantly boosting resources. With an estimated $2.25 million in the first full year and $3.25 million annually at the full 2% rate, Mobile’s tourism funding has effectively doubled.
Their success comes from 6 months of fine-tuning the new District Plan, listening to feedback from hotels and making sure everyone felt comfortable with the outcome. Even with minor timeline setbacks, the renewal earned a 6-0 affirmative vote from the City Council. Working with city leadership, Mobile has not only reinforced its ability to market and enhance its destination but has also negotiated that the City will not raise the lodging tax more than 2% over the next five years. This level of collaboration with city officials is an outstanding demonstration of faith and trust in the TID.
The strength of Mobile’s hotel community has long been its greatest asset. The Mobile Area Lodging Association established well before the TID, laid the groundwork for the trust and collaboration that made this renewal possible. With engaged hoteliers, including TID Board members Ken Patel, Raj Desai, Pinal Patel, Duncan Millar, Aaron Watz, Board Chair Kent Blackinton, and Vice Chair Margo Gilbert, leadership within the lodging community has never been stronger. Their dedication was instrumental in achieving widespread support for the renewal, surpassing even the initial formation in petition count and assessment thresholds.
“We have more support for the renewal of this TID than we did for the formation, that says the results are there,” said Kent Blackinton, President of both MALC and Mobile Area Lodging Association, and General Manager of Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel.
Investing in Impact
MTID funds will power high-impact marketing initiatives, such as omnichannel digital and OTA campaigns, print placements, and promotional efforts tied to Mobile’s biggest projects, including the return of Amtrak passenger rail and the promotion of Carnival Cruise Line. Capital improvements are also on the horizon, with projects like a $100,000 landscaping initiative around Tillmans Corner hotels, wayfinding signage, and enhanced security patrols within the district.
Additionally, these funds will support the opening of a new downtown international airport and the construction of a state-of-the-art Arena, a combined $700 million investment that will enrich Mobile’s tourism landscape. The Mayor and City Council passed a 2% lodging tax increase ordinance alongside the TID ordinance, which will be applied to stabilizing revenue for the new airport for 10 years. After that 10-year term, the 2% earmark will fund the $300M Civic Center Arena to ensure financial success and relieve debt service.
“These funds will provide the batteries to power the future assets for Mobile, including Mobile International Airport, Amtrak passenger rail service and the Civic Center project,” said Margo Gilbert, Vice President of MALC and General Manager of Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa.
A Model for the Nation
Mobile has consistently demonstrated innovation in securing sustainable funding for its tourism industry. As the only TID in the nation to form during the shutdown, this district has proven its resilience and commitment to long-term success. With this renewal, the city stands as an example of what’s possible when leadership, partnership, and vision align.
“This is the very best tourism public-private partnership a destination could have,” echoed David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile. “Mobile was the first city in the state to do it, and today, we are celebrating being the first city in the state to renew it. We are grateful to our lodging community for their continued innovation, teamwork and big-picture thinking for our entire city – united and together is always better. I can’t imagine supporting a destination without a TID – the possibilities are endless.”
Civitas is honored to support this achievement and looks forward to seeing the continued transformation of Mobile, AL as a premier destination. Congratulations to the entire Mobile hospitality community on this innovative forward!
