Syracuse-area tourism officials say the proposed Destiny USA hotel is a great step for generating interest and economic growth in the area. Destiny officials sent a letter to the county executive and mayor expressing their intentions to build a $75 million, 252-room hotel as part of their master plan. Convention and Visitors Bureau President David Holder says Destiny as a destination appears to be coming to fruition, and there are still untapped markets. He says the area is ready for another hotel.
ONONDAGA COUNTY WEIGHS IN
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney says it’s no surprise Destiny USA wants to build a hotel...it was just a matter of when. Mahoney says the mall is apparently attracting enough out-of-town visitors, and a hotel could be a perfect fit. She says overnight stays translate to more eating and buying, which then generates more sales tax revenue for the county. As for any tax break for the developer, Mahoney says there’s been no official request.
In their letter, Destiny officials said the plan to secure private financing for the project, but made no mention of seeking tax breaks. Mahoney and Mayor Stephanie Miner met for the first time to talk about the project late Friday afternoon.