Marketing Oceanside

Most Oceanside hoteliers and vacation property owners, 82 percent of them, agree that the city should start a tourism-marketing district. They submitted petitions to the city and appeared at the Wednesday, January 20, city council meeting to present their idea.

Oceanside hoteliers offered 1.5 percent of their gross revenues, on top of the 10 percent transit occupancy tax, totaling approximately $472,000 to be spent marketing the coastal North County city.

"We need the money to market to show people all over America why they need to come to Oceanside," said one hotel-industry representative during the meeting. "When we can put heads in our beds, we can bring more [transit occupancy revenues] back to the city."

Councilmember Kern asked city staff why hotel owners that have fewer than 30 rooms opposed forming the marketing district. "[Smaller hotel owners] are being lumped in with the hoteliers. Their taxes are going up 15 percent," said Kern during council comment. "You'll have to explain to them how it would benefit them."

"I think it's a great way to keep priming the pump. We have to continue marketing, anything that can make this city look more appealing," said councilmember Jack Feller.

Mayor Jim Wood agreed: "We are kind of saving money even though we are spending money. It's to sell Oceanside, and that's what it is all about."

The council voted unanimously to accept the petitions. During the February 24 council meeting, residents will be able to state their position on starting a tourism-marketing district in Oceanside.