The City of Orange is pleased to announce the allocation of $267,500 in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) fund grants for Fiscal Year 2025. In accordance with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code, a portion of the revenue collected from the hotel occupancy tax is used to promote tourism and support the convention and hotel industry in Orange. The funds, distributed through the Convention and Visitors Bureau, are awarded to local organizations that play a vital role in attracting visitors to the city.
According to City Mayor Larry Spears, “This year our city has been hit with a 2.5 million dollar loss, between losing International Paper, Invista, and monthly sales revenue. We’ve asked each department to cut their budget 10 percent. Understand the HOT tax is a separate fund — it does not operate from the general fund. With that being said, we have a healthy (HOT tax) reserve and I’m proposing some adjustments because we want to bring people in to our city so they can spend their money here.”
The proposed total amount of $683,462, was increased to $815,462.
The Orange City Council awarded HOT fund grants to the following organizations for their efforts in enhancing tourism:
- Orange Lions Club Carnival – Security $5000
- Orange Lions Club Carnival $2500
- Gate City Guild #42 $5000
- Friends of the Orange Depot $5000
- Gulf Coast Cajun Chapter $5000
- Dragon Lady Airboat Services $3000
- GOACC Mardi Gras Parade $7000
- GOACC Bassmaster Tournament $60,000
- GOACC Festival $7,000
- Southeast Texas Elite Volleyball $5000
- Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts $60,000
- Tribe United Volleyball $30,000
- Heritage House of Orange County $30,000
- Krewe De Onyx $25,000
- Adventures 2000 Plus $2000
- Step Forward Treatment Center-Women’s Empowerment $5,000
- Step Forward Treatment Center-Golf Tournament $5,000
- Orange CVB Budget $547,962
These grants will support a wide variety of events and services, from cultural festivals to sporting events, all of which are designed to draw visitors to Orange and boost the local economy. The City of Orange extends its gratitude to these wonderful organizations for their continued efforts in promoting tourism and showcasing all that Orange has to offer.
For more information about tourism initiatives or upcoming events in the city, please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (409) 883-1010.
