Boonville’s bed tax, which is a five percent tax on all local hotels, is bringing in more money than expected.
The tax revenue has brought in $102,596 so far, and is predicted to bring in five percent more than expected this year.
Assistant to the City Administrator Kate Fjell attributes the increased revenue to the unique experience Boonville offers to its tourists. She said the town is much different feel than places like Branson and Lake of the Ozarks.
“I think the thing that’s really great about Boonville tourism is that its low impact tourism so people are coming here to enjoy what is already a part of Boonville,” Fjell said. “It’s a small town we have great history, we have really amazing attractions, so I think people appreciate that kind of tourism.”
Fjell said that being named one of the top ten small towns to visit by Smithsonian Magazine last April helped get the town’s name out, as well.
The revenue from the tax solely goes toward promoting Boonville. Fjell said with the increase funds there is room for further promotion hopefully at the national level, to continue expanding their reach.
The increased amount of tourists and visitors has led to hotels like Hotel Frederick to expand. The hotel’s general manager Holly Peterson said they will be adding six new suites this November to accommodate to their guests. Peterson also said they are consistently filling up all their rooms on weekends, and even some weeknights.