Santa Barbara transient occupancy tax rebounds after Thomas Fire

The City of Santa Barbara collected about $1.18 million in transient occupancy taxes for December 2018, up 39.7 percent from the previous year.

Transient occupancy tax is charged to travelers who book lodging and accomodations in places they visit.

Due to the Thomas Fire in December 2017, bookings and hotel stays were greatly affected.

City officials say the two-year growth from December 2016 to December 2018, is only 2.2 percent.

The city has collected about $10.7 million in transient occupancy tax revenue through the first six months of their fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

The full Transient Occupancy Tax table can be viewed on the City of Santa Barbara website.