Destination Gettysburg is largely funded by a lodging tax, sometimes called a pillow tax. This tax, levied on overnight stays at hotels, bed and breakfasts and inns, and campground cabins, totaled nearly $2.64 million in 2017.
Of that $2.64 million, the county government received the first 4.5 percent – $99,312.98 – to administer the tax. The remainder is then split between Destination Gettysburg, the county government, and local municipalities in Adams County which have both a full-time police department and lodging properties. In Adams County, those municipalities include the Borough of Gettysburg, Cumberland Township and Borough of Carroll Valley.
After administration fees, Destination Gettysburg receives 75 percent of the tax in order to market the county to visitors and putting money back into the hands of local businesses, their employees as well as to local governments. This marketing money is essential to the success of tourism and support of citizens throughout the county.
This tax is self-imposed, created by the tourism industry to market the industry. More than 17 years ago, the tourism industry in Adams County sought to impose the lodging tax in order to market the destination and generate more money coming into the community. Since its inception, the tax has generated more than $19 million in Adams County.
The lodging tax was written into state law in 2001, and in 2012 – was increased from 3 to 5 percent. The recent change increased the amount of money that local municipalities received from the tax.
The tourism community sought the increase in order to offset the loss of $350,000 in state funding and to allocate a greater share to municipalities.
The lodging tax is paid by visitors to support tourism. It is not a tax levied on local citizens or local governments. Local citizens and government don’t pay for tourism, they benefit from tourism.
Membership dues account for the remainder of Destination Gettysburg’s funding. Members pay annual dues in order to be included in Destination Gettysburg’s marketing materials as well as other promotion through media relations, group sales and visitor information services. In 2017, membership dues totaled $187,300. Generally speaking, dues are calculated according to the size of business – meaning smaller businesses pay less than larger businesses.
Of that $2.64 million, the county government received the first 4.5 percent – $99,312.98 – to administer the tax. The remainder is then split between Destination Gettysburg, the county government, and local municipalities in Adams County which have both a full-time police department and lodging properties. In Adams County, those municipalities include the Borough of Gettysburg, Cumberland Township and Borough of Carroll Valley.
After administration fees, Destination Gettysburg receives 75 percent of the tax in order to market the county to visitors and putting money back into the hands of local businesses, their employees as well as to local governments. This marketing money is essential to the success of tourism and support of citizens throughout the county.
This tax is self-imposed, created by the tourism industry to market the industry. More than 17 years ago, the tourism industry in Adams County sought to impose the lodging tax in order to market the destination and generate more money coming into the community. Since its inception, the tax has generated more than $19 million in Adams County.
The lodging tax was written into state law in 2001, and in 2012 – was increased from 3 to 5 percent. The recent change increased the amount of money that local municipalities received from the tax.
The tourism community sought the increase in order to offset the loss of $350,000 in state funding and to allocate a greater share to municipalities.
The lodging tax is paid by visitors to support tourism. It is not a tax levied on local citizens or local governments. Local citizens and government don’t pay for tourism, they benefit from tourism.
Membership dues account for the remainder of Destination Gettysburg’s funding. Members pay annual dues in order to be included in Destination Gettysburg’s marketing materials as well as other promotion through media relations, group sales and visitor information services. In 2017, membership dues totaled $187,300. Generally speaking, dues are calculated according to the size of business – meaning smaller businesses pay less than larger businesses.