Tulsa voters to decide 5%-to-9.9% hotel tax

Tulsa voters are set to decide whether to raise the hotel guest tax from 5% to 9.9%, with city leaders and business advocates urging approval. Supporters say the increase would generate revenue from hotel stays to improve facilities including the BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center, strengthen tourism, and help local businesses compete with other cities. They describe the tax as a cost borne by visitors rather than residents. An opposing commentary argues that locals also use hotels and short-term rentals, and warns that higher rates could push customers and convention business to suburban hotels and hurt Tulsa businesses.