Member Center
Login Home Contact Us
Toggle Navigation

Governor Signs HB 1012XX - Proposed $5 State Lodging Tax Defeated

April 10, 2018

Governor Signs HB 1012XX - Proposed $5 State Lodging Tax Defeated

Concerns and efforts of the lodging and tourism industries were heard as a proposed $5 state lodging tax was defeated in the House, Senate, and signed by Governor Mary Fallin today.  

The Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association applaud the House and Senate for approving House Bill 1012XX which repealed a proposed $5 per night lodging tax which was signed by Governor Mary Fallin.

"We applaud our legislators for listening to their hotel and tourism constituents about the effects this tax would have had on convention business in every part of our state. OH&LA and OTIA members were able to tell the story of how this proposed tax would be used in negative ways by our market competitors who are constantly attempting to recruit large convention activities away from Oklahoma to other states," said Bryan Davis, Chairman of the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association.

OH&LA and OTIA led an effort of various travel and tourism professionals from across Oklahoma to bring the message to the legislature that hoteliers support long-overdue raises for teachers and state employees but taxing Oklahoma's growing hospitality and tourism business is not the answer and could eventually lead to less tax revenue because of lodging business lost to surrounding states.

"We can't say enough about our members' efforts to help convey what the negative impact on Oklahoma's tourism industry would have been if the tax had been included in the budget," said Jim Hopper, CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association.

OH&LA and OTIA want to thank the following organizations and their members for support in defeating the lodging tax: the American Hotel & Lodging Association; Asian American Hotel Owners Association; OKC Convention & Visitors Bureau; Visit Tulsa; Oklahoma City Hotel Association; Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association; and numerous other lodging and tourism organizations.



What's Happening
03.01.24
The RedBud Awards are open to all Oklahoma tourism entities. Advertising and Marketing agencies are eligible to submit entries but must submit on behalf of their client, and not as an entry for the agency. Entries should represent tourism and/or travel opportunities in Oklahoma. The timeline during which entries must have been produced, published, broadcast, or held must be between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Entries must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on April 22nd. No extension will be made to this deadline due to judging schedules.
04.16.24
The Hospitality Day at the Capitol and the "A Tasteful Affair" Legislative Reception events are members-only events. Online registration closes by the end of the day on Friday, April 12. If you would still like to register after Friday, please call Jorie Gorman at the ORA Office at 405-942-8181 ext. 224 and we will register you over the phone.
03.20.24
The Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association are excited to introduce a new feature to keep our members informed: Interactive Bill Tracking. This innovative tool provides real-time updates on legislation that impacts our industry, ensuring you're always in the know. This tool is designed to empower our members by providing detailed insights into bills that could shape the future of tourism and hospitality in Oklahoma. Check out the interactive bill tracking now and ensure you're up-to-date with the latest legislative developments affecting our industry. Together, let's navigate the legislative landscape and continue to drive positive change for tourism and hospitality in Oklahoma.

3800 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Privacy, Security, and Refund Policy
 
Website by Vieth Consulting