Memphis Bureau wants room tax hike to pay for centre upgrade

AMERICAS – Tourism chiefs in Memphis, Tennessee, have revealed plans for a US$55 million upgrade to the city’s convention centre. The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau officials presented preliminary ideas for a renovation of the 1974 convention centre at a meeting with the city’s Commercial Appeal editorial board. City hall bosses have backed measures to pay for the overhaul and bureau efforts to promote tourism and convention business. The bureau, with backing from the Greater Memphis Chamber and Downtown Memphis Commission, is seeking an increase in the hotel-motel room tax to 3.5%, to raise money for the convention center upgrade. Bureau president Kevin Kane: “We feel when this is finished, it’s going to be breathtaking.” The plan will be voted on next month.