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New Accommodation Tax to Drive Visitation and Sports Tourism

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed January 22, 2015 2:30 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Hospitality Association (NHA) and the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC/Tourism Nanaimo) are pleased to announce provincial approval of a new source of funding for developing Nanaimo as a tourism destination. Nanaimo will be taking another step toward developing the potential of its tourism industry with the approval from the Provincial Ministries of Finance and Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training to implement the two per cent Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT).

Link to Strategic Plan: The MRDT supports the economic health of Nanaimo.

Key Points

  • The Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is a tax of up to two per cent charged on sales of taxable accommodation in participating municipalities and regional districts in B.C.
  • The MRDT assists municipalities, regional districts and other eligible entities in promoting tourism in their area and financing new tourist facilities or programs.
  • The MRDT applies to taxable accommodation sold in hotels, motels, resorts, hostels, bed & breakfasts and other establishments offering short-term accommodation.

Quotes

Bill McKay

"Today's announcement is good news for Nanaimo. The creation and introduction of an accommodation tax has been a point of consideration and discussion for many years. With the province's approval now granted, our community gains access to an additional source of revenue to promote tourism and sport."

Bill McKay
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"As a Nation with our own world class tourist destination at Newcastle Island, we are pleased that our partners in Nanaimo have secured this strategic investment in tourism for all our communities. We have a strong partnership and will continue to make great progress working together as we confirm the plan forward to support our Nation's vision for tourism and cultural experiences."

John Wesley
Chief
Snuneymuxw First Nation

"The accommodation operators in Nanaimo strongly believe that we must give people a reason to stop and visit the city that we all know and love. We must increase overnight stays. The monies generated by the MRDT will help support the development of new tourism experiences and will augment the great work currently being done by Tourism Nanaimo and the NEDC."

Dan Brady
Chair
Nanaimo Hospitality Association

"Supporting a host of industries, the tourism sector is an important economic engine. This important new investment will help bring new visitors to our region to have a great tourism experience, and will create household sustaining jobs in our community."

Sasha Angus
CEO
Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation
-30-

Contact:

Guillermo Ferrero
Director, Info Tech & Legislative Svs
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4423
Dan Brady
Chair
Nanaimo Hospitality Association
250-753-2241

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