Lodging Tax
The Warrensburg Convention and Visitor Bureau is an entity created by the City of Warrensburg Ordinance No. 3334. The WCVB has a 10-member advisory board and one full-time staff member. The lodging tax funds the organization.
Qualified voters in the City of Warrensburg first approved the lodging tax in 1998. On April 2, 2019, General Municipal Election ballot, the City of Warrensburg qualified voters approved the lodging tax rate increase from 2.5% to 5%. The use of the lodging tax is regulated by Missouri State Statue RSMo.67.100 and the funds must be used for tourism-related spending.
How is the Lodging Tax (also known as the occupancy or transient tax) used?
The WCVB works to bring visitors to our community to utilize lodging establishments, restaurants, and retail businesses. The WCVB’s mission can be achieved by effectively telling the community’s story in all marketing pieces and providing a positive experience for visitors and event organizers.
The WCVB tourism development program is available to qualified nonprofits hosting events in the Warrensburg area (64093). The program allows organizers to expand their marketing reach to increase event attendance and contribute to tourism in Warrensburg. It is funded by an allocation of the lodging tax, so applicants must show the event will drive overnight stays in Warrensburg.
The WCVB has awarded more than $70,000 to area events since 2015.
Sponsorship/Grant Recipients:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County-Cornhole Tournament
- Blind Boone Symposium
- Blaine Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation-Golf Tournament
- Johnson County Cancer Foundation-Golf Tournament
- Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce
- Warrensburg Main Street-Burg Fest
Who pays the lodging tax?
This tax is only paid by those who utilize the services of the hotels and bed and breakfasts located in the City of Warrensburg. If you don’t stay, you don’t pay!
How does tourism benefit the community?
The sales tax paid by area visitors among other revenue collected supports state and city services. This relieves residents from having to finance 100% of the services. When a visitor stays in the community they shop, eat, and utilize various services.
Tourism-related spending in Johnson County in 2024 was more than $88 million as per MO Department of Revenue NAICS Spending.
Tourism also creates jobs in our area. In 2024, there were 2,164 tourism-related jobs in Johnson County.
Source: MO Department of Revenue.
Questions?
For more information, email Marcy Barnhart or call 660-262-4611.