A government-funded agency in charge of bringing visitors and events to the region has sent out a letter pushing back against recent claims that it increased spending on salaries while marketing expenditures declined.
“In recent weeks, there has been discussion around rising personnel costs and whether marketing investment has decreased at Chattanooga Tourism Co.,” the agency said in a letter signed by board members Darik Dawes, Johnny O’Brien, Michael Mathis, Hugh Morrow and Erik Niel. “We believe it is important to address those concerns directly and provide clear, factual context about our budget, staffing decisions and performance.”
In its message Thursday to “travel and hospitality partners,” the Executive Committee for the Chattanooga Tourism Co. said payroll in 2022 increased 15.5% over 2021 because it included pay increases that had been frozen for 2 1/2 years due to the pandemic.
(READ MORE: Hamilton County Commission diverts $480K from Chattanooga Tourism Co.)
Multiple marketing positions were also moved from contract to payroll in 2023, causing marketing expenses to decrease and payroll expenses to increase.