Conroe City Council has approved $110,000 in funding to support four tourism-driven events, including fishing tournaments and a rodeo. The funds come from the city’s hotel occupancy tax and aim to boost local tourism.
During the meeting on March 27, the Conroe City Council approved a funding allocation of $110,000 for Visit Conroe. This funding is designated to market and support four significant events to draw visitors to the city. The revenue is sourced from Conroe’s hotel occupancy tax (HOT), which has produced $1.8 million this year. According to legal requirements, these funds are designated to promote tourism.
Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska stated that the funding will be released only after event organizers provide reports and receipts that confirm their expenditures align with the eligibility criteria. The allocated funds will be directed to the following events: $50,000 for an archery tournament, $25,000 for the Trifecta Fishing Bass Tour, $25,000 for the Major League Fishing/Bass Pro Tour, and $15,000 for the Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo.
In recent years, Conroe has experienced a consistent rise in hotel occupancy tax revenue. In 2023, the city gathered $2.9 million, and in 2024, that amount increased to $3.5 million. These funds have been designated for various initiatives supporting tourism and cultural activities. In September of last year, the City Council allocated $210,000 in HOT funds for 16 grants in the arts and culture sector.
The city aims to enhance Conroe's status as a regional tourism destination by backing prominent sporting and cultural events. Fishing tournaments have emerged as a major attraction, with Lake Conroe recognized as an ideal venue for competitive angling events. The Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo stands out as a significant attraction, drawing thousands of visitors to the area annually.
City officials are confident that these investments will boost Conroe’s attractiveness and lead to additional economic advantages through more hotel stays, dining out, and shopping in the area. As Conroe continues to grow its tourism initiatives, securing funding for events like these is anticipated to stay a key focus.
