Ga. city sues travel sites for hotel occupancy tax

Nov 27, 2012 - 18:17
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COLUMBUS, Ga. — Columbus is set to receive about $1.6 million from travel websites that failed to divert money from hotel reservations to pay the city's hotel occupancy tax.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (http://bit.ly/TppTUQ ) reports that city council voted Tuesday to approve a settlement with Expedia.com and Hotels.com.

After the city filed a lawsuit against the sites, they removed Columbus as a destination and diverted travelers to other nearby cities. The move was costly for local hotels.

Tuesday's settlement is only the latest instance of city officials settling with travel sites that tried skirting the hotel occupancy tax.

In 2010, Columbus settled with Orbitz.com for about $230,000, and with Priceline for about $72,000.

Tuesday's vote ended litigation that that began in 2006. The city will receive about $586,000 after attoey fees are deducted.

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Information from: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, http://ledger-enquirer.com

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.