In the heart of McKinney, Texas, the atmosphere buzzed with optimism as local leaders gathered to discuss the financial health of the city's tourism sector. The meeting, held on June 24, 2025, showcased the progress made by Visit McKinney, with a focus on the financial committee's recent findings.

Alicia Holmberg, a key figure in the discussions, opened the session by highlighting that the fiscal year was 67% complete as of May. She reported that the organization was on track with its finances, despite a slight delay in spending related to incentive funding and grants. "We have only visited one grant, and that hasn't even been paid out yet," Holmberg explained, indicating that this was a factor in the current financial standing.

The meeting also celebrated a significant milestone in occupancy rates. Holmberg noted that May had been one of the best months on record, with occupancy surpassing $300,000—an increase of over 5% compared to the previous year. For the fiscal year overall, occupancy was up nearly 9%, a promising sign for the local economy. "Every month seems to be growing and growing," she remarked, reflecting the positive trajectory of McKinney's tourism.

However, the addition of two new hotels had slightly impacted the average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR), which were reported as being down. Holmberg attributed this to the influx of new rooms, but remained optimistic about the overall stability of the market. "We're still happy that that's holding tight where we think we need to be," she stated.

A notable development discussed was the recent compliance of a unique downtown property with occupancy tax payments. This change allows Visit McKinney to promote the property effectively, enhancing the city's appeal to visitors. "It's not a lot of rooms, but it's a really unique property," Holmberg noted, emphasizing the potential for attracting tourists.

As the meeting wrapped up, the sense of community and collaboration among local businesses was palpable. The leaders recognized the importance of supporting one another, with Holmberg concluding, "A lot of the small businesses really do know each other." This camaraderie, coupled with the positive financial outlook, sets a hopeful tone for McKinney's future as a vibrant destination.