The Province has approved Whistler’s application to increase hotel tax to three per cent, up from two per cent that is collected now.
The RMOW expects the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) tax will bring approximately $2 million every year.
It will be implemented from December 1, 2018.
MRDT is a tax on short-term tourist accommodation, including hotel rooms, in addition to the eight per cent Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
It was established by the Province in 1987 to fund tourism marketing and programs.
Outgoing Mayor Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden called the one per cent increase a ‘significant milestone’ for Whistler.
She said it will boost the ability of the municipality and Tourism Whistler to provide effective tourism programs.
“These revenues are critical to communities like Whistler whose property tax revenue from our relatively small population is not adequate to invest in and maintain the amenities and programs needed to serve residents and visitors,” she said.
The hotel tax is received by the RMOW and shared with Tourism Whistler based on a number of agreements.
“We are very pleased to have been successful in our joint-application with the RMOW to increase the MRDT collected on accommodation sold in Whistler,” says Barrett Fisher, president and CEO at Tourism Whistler.
“This is good news for our community as it provides us with important resources for product reinvestment, experience enhancement and market diversification, to ensure Whistler enjoys a healthy, balanced tourism economy for many years to come.”
Earlier this year, the province also announced that Airbnb and other online accommodation channels are legally required to submit PST and MRDT on short-term accommodation.
