By Ben McNeely
[email protected]
Cabarrus County Commissioners voted without comment to give the Cabarrus Convention and Visitors Bureau $250,000 to make up for projected shortfalls in the occupancy tax and help promote vacation packages for members of the military.
Commissioners approved the tourism stimulus plan, which would give the CVB $150,000 to offset projected shortfall in occupancy taxes. The local hotels have seen a drop-off in visitors because of the tightening economy and have been posting shortfalls ranging between 5 and 12 percent through October.
The CVB has a short-term and long-term plan to help boost occupancy numbers in the local hotels in the area by offering vacation packages to members of the military and their spouses. Commissioners approved $100,000 to help market these packages.
The packages will be themed around Concord Mills and race experiences at the speedway and race teams shops in Concord.
Commissioners unanimously approved the plan without debate. It was listed on their consent agenda.
• Contact reporter Ben McNeely: 704-789-9131.