By Jeff Jarow
Photo by Sondra Stocker
It might seem counterintuitive that those of us who live in Santa Monica benefit from visitors using our streets, browsing our shops and dining at our restaurants. But as a longtime resident, I can tell you I’m extremely grateful for our tourist friends. For one thing, the so-called “bed tax” or Transient Occupancy Tax (better known as the T.O.T.) goes directly into the city’s general fund. And as you probably know, that’s the fund that pays for our police and fire departments, our social services, our road improvements…well, you get the picture.
I’m aware some Santa Monicans equate tourism with traffic congestion. But did you know 72% of our overnight visitors prefer to walk, according to surveys? Can’t say I blame them, either. Santa Monica is so pedestrian-friendly that you don’t need to rent a car—or even ride the bus, in most cases—to get around. For the volume of guests our coastal amenities attract, particularly when compared to the rest of L.A., it’s pretty amazing how manageable the traffic is here.
I’m a board member on Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. But I also serve on the board of the Ocean Park Neighborhood Association. Maintaining a high quality of life for my family, neighbors and friends is a huge priority for me. The truth is that a thriving tourist trade enhances the lifestyle we enjoy here. In 2006, overnight visitors contributed $30 million to our community from the 14% T.O.T. tax and much more in support for the local economy with their patronage of hotels, restaurants and retailers. Many Santa Monica residents rely on these businesses for income and as tourism thrives, so do they.
For 25 years now, SMCVB has promoted Santa Monica as an international travel destination, and it’s really paying off. With ample T.O.T. revenues, the city can fund our top-notch schools, parks, libraries and other municipal services. In times like these, that’s nothing to take for granted. When you compare Santa Monica to the nation’s many cash-strapped cities, including many in Southern California, you realize how fortunate we are to have a local industry durable enough to sustain itself through The Great Recession. When folks come to “stay and play” in Santa Monica, we all benefit.
