Cape tourism study gains council support amid restaurant tax debate

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Cape Girardeau’s discussion over a proposed restaurant tax increase is moving toward an outside review of the city’s tourism opportunities, following a special City Council meeting Monday.

Jeff Maurer, co-founder of Mayson Capital Partners, said council members supported involving an outside tourism consultant to help develop a master plan for attracting visitors.

The discussion comes as parks leaders advocate for expanding sports facilities and business representatives seek additional research to guide the city’s investments.

During his presentation, Maurer proposed a task force involving city officials, Parks and Recreation, Visit Cape, hospitality businesses and other community representatives. He said businesses in his group are prepared to pay for an independent study.

The proposed study would evaluate existing tourism attractions and facilities, compare Cape Girardeau with other markets and estimate demand and economic impact for potential projects. It would also review Visit Cape’s structure, funding and marketing.

Maurer asked council members to consider placing the restaurant tax question on the August 2027 ballot, allowing time for the findings to inform the proposal.

Parks leaders urged the council to move toward a public vote on the committee’s recommendations, which include a SportsPlex expansion, an outdoor soccer complex and additional turf fields at Shawnee Park.

Parks director, Doug Gannon, pointed to a soccer tournament held the previous weekend as an example of sports tourism’s economic impact. He said 137 teams participated, bringing more than 4,000 players, parents and spectators to Cape Girardeau.

“So you put parents and spectators in there. We brought over 4,000 people to Cape Girardeau this weekend,” Gannon said.

Gannon estimated the weekend generated about $400,000 in economic impact, excluding concessions and tournament registration fees. He said investments in facilities would help Cape remain competitive for tournaments while addressing maintenance needs.

Scott Williams, recreation division manager, also defended the department’s tourism work, saying its efforts extend beyond sports. He cited past craft shows, motorcycle rallies and other events, along with more recent seasonal tourism campaigns.

Williams said Parks and Recreation has overseen Visit Cape for about a year and a half and is still developing those efforts.

“We’re just kind of getting started. We’ve only had Visit Cape for about a year and a half, and we really haven’t had a chance to dig in,” Williams said.

Williams supported moving toward an April 2027 vote. Maurer’s presentation requested August 2027.

In a statement to FOX23 following the meeting, Maurer said:

“We’re pleased that the Cape Girardeau City Council voted in support of getting an outside tourism consultant involved to help formulate a master plan for tourism recruitment. Our goal all along has been to help our community make the best possible decision regarding any potential extension of the restaurant tax and, eventually, the hotel/motel tax. We appreciate the Mayor, Council, and city staff for their time and thoughtful discussion, and we look forward to working with the City, Parks and Recreation, Visit Cape, and other tourism stakeholders in the community as this moves forward.”

FOX23 also reached out to Gannon and Williams for follow-up statements and will add their responses when received.