Hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, sponsorship applications are open through June 12 for local businesses, organizations and event organizers who bring overnight visitors to Seabrook hotels, according to an April 15 news release from the city.
“This is a great opportunity for organizers and businesses to develop events that bring visitors to Seabrook,” Mayor Jim Sweeney said in the news release. “We look forward to supporting efforts that highlight the community and create meaningful experiences.”
What you need to know
The city awards annual HOT sponsorships to qualifying organizations and events that encourage overnight stays, and highlight Seabrook’s waterfront access, outdoor recreation, arts, cultural programming and family-friendly activities, according to the news release.
According to the news release, the application process requires:
- A proposed budget
- A marketing plan
- Event or program history (if applicable)
- Documentation showing the event’s ability to generate overnight stays
The local impact
The funding is supported by hotel occupancy taxes collected from local guests who pay the tax as part of lodging costs, and also applies to bed-and-breakfasts, condominiums, apartments and houses with overnight guests, according to the Texas Comptroller website.
In Seabrook, the tax supports events and initiatives intended to attract visitors and encourage overnight stays, contributing to local tourism and economic activity, according to the news release.
What’s next
Seabrook City Council will review applications during its July 21 meeting, with funding decisions scheduled to be announced Aug. 3, according to the news release.
More information about applications and program details is available on the city’s website.
