Chamber Vision January and February 2018

Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau January and February 2018 27 CVB to Host Airbnb Panel Discussion times and Airbnb appears to be a a safe and healthy option for 2018 - - The Emporia Convention viable alternative. Transient Guest outdoor adventure. Additional & Visitors Bureau is hosting an Tax, also known as hotel or bed riders will require additional informative panel discussion for tax, is collected by Airbnb the same lodging. “We are excited that people interested in learning about as it is collected by our hotels.” Dirty Kanza continues to bring EMPORIA, Kansas, January 1, what’s involved in becoming an Airbnb host. The public is invited to attend this free educational event that will take place Tuesday, January 30, at 6:30 pm, at the Trusler Business Center, 719 Commercial Street. Both the Glass Blown Open and the Dirty Kanza have continued to grow over the years and 2018 is no exception. Dynamic Discs Events Coordinator, Doug Bjerkaas, says, “The Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open has continued to A representative from the grow rapidly. Disc golfers and Kansas Department of Revenue disc golf fans from all over the and local Airbnb hosts will be country and world consider it the on hand to share information, top destination tournament on experiences and answer questions. the schedule each year. The 2016 According to airbnb.com, Airbnb’s GBO set the record as the largest are popular because travelers are tournament in PDGA (Professional looking for a unique place to stay. Disc Golf Association) history with Hosts can earn money, they are 1120 participants. The 2018 GBO in control of availability, pricing, has over 1600 players registered! house rules, and guest interaction. These guests of Emporia are They also have 24/7 support from stretching the limits of the current Airbnb and access to an online hotels and motels. Dynamic Discs community of experienced hosts. hopes the incredible economic According to Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, Susan Rathke, “Our hotels sell out during major events impact of GBO participants on Emporia is not limited by our inability to provide enough lodging.” like the Glass Blown Open and A high school gravel race is Dirty Kanza. There is a need for being added to the line-up at the additional lodging during these Dirty Kanza this year to encourage thousands of people to Emporia, KS. We are beyond thankful to the folks of Emporia for embracing this event and the people who come to participate. However, the number of people that pour into Emporia Dirty Kanza weekend far exceeds the town’s ability to house them all. While we can’t all be hotel operators, we can create a win-win opportunity. Through programs like Air BnB, you can turn your basement, your home, or even just a single room into a lodging opportunity for out of town guests. Not only will you earn extra cash for yourself, Air BnB’s are subject to the same Tourist Tax that hotels are. That means tourist tax dollars will be captured and used to improve Emporia. Listing your home, or a room in it is an amazing way to get paid while helping to serve this great community!” says Dirty Kanza Promotions Operations Manager, LeLan Dains.

Chamber Vision January and February 2018 | Page 27