SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif- San Luis Obispo is drawing people into town by the droves. Millions of dollars are funneling in from tourists coming to spend their hard earned cash in SLO hotels. "The direct impact of the transient occupancy tax is about 4.5-million dollars for 2011-12," said Brigitte Elke, the Principal Administrative Analyst of SLO.
July was the highest month for bed tax in the cities history. Elke said this past year was one of the biggest rebounds since the recession in 2008. "Per dollar spent on a hotel room up to 2 to 3 dollars are spent on shopping, dining, and events," said Elke. Which is drawing big benefits for local businesses.
"10-20 percent of our revenue is from tourism which is a lot because it is money that you wouldn't usually sell," said Kevin Main, of Kevin Main Jewelry. Roughly 1-million people come to stay in San Luis overnight, another 1-million come to visit throughout the day.
