Hotel Tax Revenue Continues To Climb

Hotel and restaurant tax revenue rose across Northwest Arkansas in 2015, and the trend looks to continue this year based on receipts provided by cities or their respective advertising commissions.

Bentonville’s receipts increased nearly 25 percent to $2.16 million, up from $1.74 million. Through July this year, receipts have increased nearly 7 percent compared to the same period in 2015.

Fayetteville saw a nearly 11 percent increase to $6.1 million, up from $5.52 million. Through August this year, receipts are up more than 8 percent compared to the same period last year.

Bentonville has a 1 percent restaurant tax and a 2 percent hotel tax. Fayetteville collects a 2 percent hotel and restaurant tax.

Van Buren, which has a 1 percent hotel and restaurant tax, had its receipts increase almost 5 percent to $454,817, up from $434,529. Through July this year, receipts have risen 9 percent.

While the previous three cities collect both hotel and restaurant taxes, the following four Northwest Arkansas cities only collect a hotel tax. Each city’s tax rate is 2 percent, except for Fort Smith, which has a 3 percent tax.

In Fort Smith, hotel tax receipts increased 5 percent to $800,037, up from $761,826. Through July this year, receipts are up more than 8 percent.

Rogers’ receipts increased almost 7 percent to $788,654, up from $738,924. Through August this year, receipts have risen about 2 percent.

Siloam Springs saw a nearly 11 percent increase to $78,623, up from $70,901. Through July this year, receipts have increased 2 percent.

Springdale received a 14 percent increase to $426,906, up from $375,950. Through July this year, receipts are up 9 percent.