Tulsa hotel guests will pay nearly double the current lodging tax starting Jan. 1 after voters approved a rate increase on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The measure raises the city's hotel guest tax from 5% to 9.9%. About 57% of voters backed the proposition, according to NonDoc and the Tulsa Flyer. It marks the first time the rate has been increased since 1984.
Unofficial results
NonDoc reported 56.8% of voters in favor, citing unofficial results. The Tulsa World reported a wider early margin of 64% to 36%.
| Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
Yes | 61,524 | 56.8% |
No | 46,762 | 43.2% |
Unofficial results as reported by NonDoc on Nov. 4. Results are not yet certified.
What changes
At the current 5% rate, Tulsa is on track to collect $10.4 million in lodging tax revenue in 2026, according to the Tulsa Flyer. At 9.9%, the tax is estimated to generate $20.6 million annually once it takes effect Jan. 1.
The tax applies to guests staying in hotels, motels and short-term rentals such as Airbnbs with five or more rooms. It does not apply to long-term hotel stays, government employees or veterans who are 100% permanently disabled, News On 6 reported.
The increased revenue is earmarked for maintenance and upgrades at the city-owned BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center, as well as municipal tourism marketing, the Tulsa Flyer reported.
Planned upgrades
BOK Center improvements include an improved roof, upgraded bathrooms and seating, a new scoreboard, updated production offices, dressing rooms, locker rooms and suites, and a new restaurant on the premium level, according to the Tulsa Flyer.
Keller Taylor, vice president of Oak View Group, the company the city contracts with to manage both venues, said upgrades at the Arvest Convention Center will focus on modernizing meeting spaces. He noted the carpet, paint and airwalls have not been updated since the 1980s.
Reaction
Mike Neal, Tulsa Regional Chamber president and CEO, said the move will support local jobs, strengthen the city's budget and market "Tulsa as a destination by recruiting conventions and events that fill our hotels and restaurants."
Renee McKenney, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism and senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, called the passage a result of "extraordinary citywide collaboration."
Brian Paschal, board chair of Visit Tulsa, said tourism plays a significant role in economic development. "It's critical that we keep pace with other communities, in our region and around the country," Paschal said, according to News On 6.
Before the Nov. 3 vote, Tulsa's hotel tax rate was lower than rates in Norman, Oklahoma City and Enid, News On 6 reported.
