Nanaimo Hoteliers Approve 2% Tax

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Tax To Benefit Tourist Attractions

Allowing the industry to direct how the tax would be spent has seen an 80% approval of the new tax by the Nanaimo Hospitality Association hotel members.

The tax is estimated to generate between $350,000 - $400,000 with 45% being used to develop the Snuneymuxw First Nations cultural centre on Newcastle Island. Another 35% will be used to help fund festivals in the city which can demonstrate they will fill hotel rooms. The remaining 20% will be used for marketing the two projects.

The hotel room tax will need the approval of city council and finally the provincial government before the tax comes into effect.

The hospitality industry had resisted attempts to bring in this tax in the past, as the revenues would have gone directly to the city which would have directed spending.