Hoteliers approve Dolphins' stadium plans

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MIAMI, March 14 (UPI) -- A hotel group's approval of a $400 million renovation of the Miami Dolphins' stadium is considered a key endorsement as a referendum on the plan is prepared.

The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, the trade group which represents businesses who would see their customers pay higher taxes to finance the renovation to Sun Life Stadium and pay for other tourism-related efforts, voted to approve the plan, a statement from the association, released Wednesday, said.

The plan, conceived by the Dolphins, would increase taxes on mainland hotel bookings to 7 percent from 6 percent, leaving hotel taxes unchanged at Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside hotels, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.

The resolution by the trade group cited the value of upgrading the stadium to host future Super Bowls and college football championships, in addition to Dolphins games and other events.

"It is imperative the stadium's amenities remain competitive," said association Chairman Raj Singh.