Area tourism leaders

pitch ways to spend increased tourism-tax dollars.

As Orange County’s tourist development tax collections continue to soar, the region’s tourism leaders Friday pitched ways to spend the money, including completion of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Richard Maladecki, president and chief executive officer of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, sent a detailed letter to Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer noting that bed taxes are generating more money than needed to pay off Amway Center, Orlando Citrus Bowl renovations and other projects.

“As this trend continues, and as debt is satisfied, Orange County will have the opportunity to ensure that the tourism industry has all the necessary tools to continue this positive growth for both the short and long terms,” wrote Maladecki.

In the two-page letter, Maladecki said he spoke on behalf of the association, Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.

His recommendations included:

Budget an additional $65 million for the arts community, including Orlando Ballet, $4 million; Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, $6 million; Orlando Science Center, $10 million; and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, $45 million.

He also suggested releasing the $25 million set aside for the performing arts center to immediately complete Phase II of the project.

Increase Visit Orlando’s cut of the tax collection to 30 percent of the total revenue.

Give an additional $172 million to the Orange County Convention Center for capital improvements.

Create dedicated funding with an initial allocation of $5 million for the Central Florida Sports Commission, replenishing the fund annually between $2 and $5 million.

Allocate up to $20 million to complete other upgrades at the Citrus Bowl.

Set aside $1 million annually for a capital improvement fund for future improvements at the Amway Center, the Citrus Bowl and the performing arts center.

Tourist taxes are charged on short-term rentals in the county, mostly hotels and motels.

As fiscal year 2015 ended Sept. 30, the tourist tax collection rate was up about 12 percent over 2014. It was the third straight year for a yearover-year increase in tourist tax collections, according to the county.

“The industry respects the importance of maintaining a strong reserve,” wrote Maladecki.

Dyer responded with a let-

ter of his own in which he praised the plan and suggested that it be discussed at a meeting of the Tourist Development Council next week.

“We are appreciative that tourism leaders have once again joined together to create a plan that not only finishes the Dr. Phillips Center but includes a comprehensive package that uplifts arts, cultural and sports organizations while continuing to invest in and grow our region’s primary economic driver, the hospitality industry,” Dyer wrote.

Officials have said in recent months that they need at least $35 million to complete the final phase of the arts center — a 1,700-seat performance space.

A spokeswoman for Jacobs said she had not yet read the letter and could not comment.