From: Nicole Llido
To: [email protected]
Subject: Support for Resolution 2024-13, Intent to Modify the HB Tourism BID Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 8:55:43 AM
Attachments: Outlook-ajsrvjtf
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Hyatt Email of Intent to Support - TBID Modification for CC Mtg April 16 2024.pdf Please see attached for a letter of support from the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.
Nicole Llido, IOM, CTA
| Vice President, Administration & Community Engagement Visit Huntington Beach – Surf City USA
155 Fifth Street, Suite 111, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5171 Phone: 714.969.3492, x207 | Fax: 714.969.5592
Email: [email protected]
|Website: www.surfcityusa.com
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4/16/2024
13 (23-1042)
Dear Mayor and City Council,
In regard to agenda item #13 of the Huntington Beach City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, I’m writing in support of adopting Resolution No. 2024-13, to declare the City’s intention to modify the Management District Plan for the Huntington Beach Tourism BID.
I have been connected to the Huntington Beach community since moving to California in 1987. I met my wife and future in-laws, whom are lifetime residents of Huntington Beach in 1988 and we married here in 1990. In those early years I recall playing golf at The Driftwood, which now as we know is the site of the Hilton and Hyatt Resorts. My career travels with Hyatt over the last 37 years has taken us to many amazing destinations, but it is Huntington Beach that invokes the most incredible memories. Having previously lived and taken part in the growth of this iconic destination and now returning again as General Manager to lead the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is both an honor and a privilege. Our city has come a long way over the last several decades and it is more important than ever to continue our journey to success.
The tourism industry is an essential part of Huntington Beach, with an estimated 2.2 million non-OC resident visitors in 2023. We are part of Huntington Beach’s local economy, contributing millions of dollars in taxes. By bringing visitors to Huntington Beach, our industry also brings an additional income source for local businesses, helping to keep their doors open and their workers employed not just during the busy peak visitor seasons, but year-round.
Over the next few years, Huntington Beach stands to lose substantial visitor industry market share to other OC and coastal California cities, who are all vying to attract visitors who spend millions of dollars annually. Many also have new hotel properties, new attractions or attraction upgrades in the pipeline, while Huntington Beach does not, making us less competitive compared to other popular OC tourism destinations. If Huntington Beach loses visitor industry market share, this will also reduce the City’s overall revenues generated by visitors, such as TOT, sales tax and parking revenue.
An increase in TBID funds would ensure Huntington Beach’s tourism industry has essential funds to keep pace with the cost of doing business; reinvest into sales and marketing efforts to increase visitation to Huntington Beach, overnight stays at Huntington Beach paid lodging properties and encourage more visitor spend; and leverage upcoming large- scale world events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
Huntington Beach’s non-tourism businesses and residents also will benefit from this modified program. With more visitors coming to Huntington Beach, local businesses will benefit from more foot traffic and potential sales that will help keep them open year-round, especially during the slow season. As part of the modified program, funds will also be spent on several improvements and enhancements in Downtown Huntington Beach, which can be enjoyed by Huntington Beach residents as well.
I believe this modification will benefit not only the tourism BID and local businesses, but will also provide much needed funds to the city and make Huntington Beach a better place.
I ask that City Council support the resolution of intent.
Thank you,
Jon Benson
General Manager
Hyatt Huntington Beach Resort and Spa