Hotels in Pitt County saw a significant increase in business this year resulting in a 20 percent jump in occupancy tax revenues over last fiscal year, the Greenville-Pitt County Convention and Visitors Bureau reported on Tuesday. The occupancy tax is the bureau’s only source of revenue, all of which is utilized for tourism development. Tourism pumps millions into the local economy each year at area hotels, restaurants and retail outlets. People come to the area for youth and college sporting events, recreation and reunions and for business. Schmidt said an increase in occupancy tax is a sign of a healthy city and county, and a 5 to 8 percent increase is expected annually. He said the considerably higher increase this year is a sign of many positive developments, not just the unfortunate increase due to Hurricane Matthew.