Tourism performance and Uber program changes
Summary
The rebate drops from $500 per 12 room nights to $500 per 20, now capped at $20,000 per event unless the board specially approves more. This ends big-ticket surprises like the $40,000 Grange rebate while still offering a competitive incentive.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Cuts the per-room rebate from about $41 to about $25 and caps event rebates at $20,000, stretching the tourism budget further.
Taxpayers and the tourism budget, which has been running short each year as event interest grows.
Large conventions negotiating big rebates may receive less than under prior guidelines.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Visit Broken Arrow - Oct 13, 2026
August hotel occupancy dipped to 58.4% (down from 60.4%), and tax receipts fell 10% in August after an 11% July jump. The free Uber ride program for hotel guests is now capped at four one-way trips a month after abuse.
Visit Broken Arrow - Sep 8, 2026
The free visitor Uber program is being tightened up: rides are now capped at four per month and users will get unique app codes instead of a shared generic code, because some people were using it as free everyday transportation.
Visit Broken Arrow - Aug 11, 2026
The free Uber ride program for visitors has been more successful than budgeted, with $5,000 and $3,000 months against a $13,000 annual budget. Staff found shared voucher codes and possible use by long-term business travelers, and policy changes may be coming.
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Visit Broken Arrow - May 12, 2026
The board approved $25,000 for a year of Zartico, a platform tracking who visits, where they spend, and event impact. Staff hope better data helps marketing, other city departments, and possibly future bond campaigns — and may let the city drop the similar Placer tool.
Visit Broken Arrow - Apr 22, 2026
The rebate drops from $500 per 12 room nights to $500 per 20, now capped at $20,000 per event unless the board specially approves more. This ends big-ticket surprises like the $40,000 Grange rebate while still offering a competitive incentive.
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