Tourism Council criticizes budget for lack of dedicated tourism manager

Concerns over Bay City's tourism management took center stage during the City Council Workshop on July 8, 2025, as a member of the Tourism Advisory Council expressed frustration over the lack of a dedicated tourism manager in the budget. The council member highlighted that for the past two years, the advisory group had been promised a new tourism manager, yet the current budget proposal showed no allocation for this position.

"This tells me that the city doesn't care about investing in tourism," the council member stated, emphasizing that the current arrangement, where three individuals manage a single Facebook account, is inadequate and degrading the quality of tourism efforts. The member warned that without proper management, both residents and visitors would suffer, and the city's tourism potential would remain untapped.

The discussion shifted to the hotel and motel budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, revealing that the city typically generates between $700,000 to $800,000 in hotel tax revenue. However, the absence of a dedicated tourism manager raises concerns about how effectively these funds will be utilized. Plans for the upcoming year include partnerships to promote local businesses and events, but the council member's comments underscored a pressing need for more focused leadership in tourism.

The meeting also touched on the challenges of collecting hotel occupancy taxes from short-term rentals, with only one property currently compliant. The city aims to increase awareness and compliance among property owners, particularly those using platforms like Airbnb.

As the council moves forward with budget discussions, the call for a dedicated tourism manager remains a critical point of contention, highlighting the need for strategic investment in Bay City's tourism sector to enhance its appeal and economic viability.