| Corpus Christi, Texas, (Feb. 4, 1999) - The Corpus Christi
City Council, with the urging of the Corpus Christi hospitality industry,
has unanimously approved a resolution asking the Texas State Legislature
to raise the city's local share of the occupancy tax from seven percent
to nine percent to fund improvements and expansion of the Corpus Christi
Bayfront Plaza Convention Center.
The proposal would allow the city to issue between $14 million and $20
million in bonds which will go toward expanding the convention center approximately
75,000 square feet. No plans have been drawn for the expansion of the Bayfront
Plaza Convention Center, but the project would likely entail additional
meeting rooms, a larger lobby, more exhibit space and related improvements.
Existing Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Facilities
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200,000 square feet of meeting & exhibit space.
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Exhibit Hall can accommodate 385 10'x10' booths.
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Beautiful 27,000 square foot ballroom.
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Acoustically superior 2,526 seat auditorium.
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Built-in sound system.
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Plenty of free parking, (covered parking available for a
charge.)
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Eight loading docks.
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Three freight elevators.
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Excellent kitchen facilities
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The increase would put Corpus Christi's occupancy tax rate at 15 percent.
Approval by the state Legislature is required to increase the occupancy
tax rate above 13 percent. State lawmakers will consider the measure while
in session through May. The increase on the room rates would not affect
Corpus Christi as being a bargain for hotel rates.
According to PKF Consulting, a company that tracks hotel rates, the
average room rate in Corpus Christi in 1998 was $64.87, compared to the
average rates of San Antonio and Austin which were $79 and $84, respectively.
Leading the effort for the convention center expansion was the Coastal
Bend Hotel Motel Condo Association and the Greater Corpus Christi Business
Alliance. The Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau, a division
of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, is a full-service convention
and tourism organization. Its mission is to market the Corpus Christi Bay
Area as a year-round convention and visitors destination for the economic
benefit of the city and region. Call 1-800-678-6232 for information on
Corpus Christi - The Premier Texas Coast Destination. |
