Welcome to Friends of Jefferson County Tourism
Empowering Local Tourism Through Sustainable Visitor Charge Funding
About Us
We are the Friends of Jefferson County Tourism, a community‑driven political action committee dedicated to strengthening Jefferson County’s economy and enriching the visitor experience. Our mission is simple: to advocate for policies—including a responsible local visitor charge—that support sustainable tourism growth and ensure Jefferson County remains a vibrant destination for travelers.
Jefferson County's Proposed Visitor Charge:
Investing in Our Future
Jefferson County is exploring a Transient Guest Tax (commonly called a “Visitor Charge”) to create a dedicated, voter‑approved funding source that strengthens tourism across our entire community. This tax would apply only to lodging establishments in areas that do not already have their own visitor charge in place.
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A local visitor charge is a simple, fair way to ensure that visitors help support the places they enjoy—from parks and attractions to events, trails, and cultural sites.
Why Jefferson County Needs a Visitor Charge
A Sustainable Funding Source
Right now, tourism promotion relies heavily on county generated revenue. A visitor charge would replace that system with a stable, long-term funding stream dedicated solely to tourism.
Strengthening the Jefferson County Tourism Commission
Revenue from the visitor charge would directly support the Jefferson County Tourism Commission (JCTC)--our state-recognized Convention & Visitors Bureau. This ensures we can continue promoting Jefferson County as a vibrant Destination
Unlocking State Tourism Grants
With dedicated revenue, the JCTC can secure matching state tourism grants, multiplying the impact of every dollar and bringing more resources into our communities.
Honoring Local Leadership
Jefferson County's tourism efforts exist today thanks to early investment from the cities of Festus, Arnold, and Pevely, which already operate their own tourism commissions. Their leadership laid the foundation for a countywide program that benefits us all.
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Initial Contributors of JCTC
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Jefferson County Growth Association
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Arnold Tourism Commission
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Festus Tourism Commission
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Pevely Tourism Commission
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Contributions Municipalities
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Jefferson County Missouri
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City of Arnold
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City of Byrnes Mill
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City of Crystal City
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City of Desoto
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City of Festus
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City of Herculaneum
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City of Hillsboro
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City of Kimmswick
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City of Pevely
Boosting Local Economies
Tourism brings new money into Jefferson County--supporting restaurants, retailers, attractions, and hospitality businesses. A visitor charge helps us grow that impact responsibly and sustainably.
How the Visitor Charge Would Work
Phase 1
The county would implement the visitor charge in:
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Unincorporated areas​
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Municipalities that do not currently have their own visitor charge
Phase 2
Cities with an existing visitor charge could choose to:
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Repeal their tax and join the countywide program
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Or continue operating independently while still collaborating with the county
Administration
The tax may be collected by the County or by the Missouri Department of Revenue for a small administrative fee.
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Common Questions
Will this raise taxes on residents?
No. The visitor charge applies only to visitors staying in hotels, motels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.
Will cities with their own visitor charge vote on this?
Not initially. They would only vote if they choose to appeal their existing tax and join the countywide program.
How long will lodging establishments be identified?
The county will establish a registration and reporting process covering hotels, motels, B&Bs, and short term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.
Can visitor charge revenue be used for anything else?
No. By law, all funds must support the Convention & Visitors Bureau and tourism promotion.