Alberta government announces additional support for tourism industry
Posted Dec 4, 2020 11:58 am.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government is hoping to provide a boost to the tourism sector by allowing hotels and other lodging providers to keep tourism levies.
The UCP government already allowed those providers to keep the money, but the current plan was due to end on Dec. 31 but now it has been extended until the end of March.
Organizations in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Jasper and Canmore that promote these tourism destinations will also receive a combined total of $8 million in support.
“Alberta is home to so many beautiful tourist destinations. It is important that we support our tourism industry so Alberta can welcome back the world when we’re able to do so safely,” said Minister of Jobs, Innovation and the Economy Doug Schweitzer.
RELATED: Alberta restricting foreign workers to boost economy
“Travel Alberta and our small businesses that run our tourist attractions are critical to this recovery as we move forward out of this pandemic.”
This year alone, the plan is due to provide $22 million to the sector
Travel Alberta is also expanding operations to better promote the province for next year.
“We are focusing on a smart rebound – aimed at attracting high-yield visitors, and where the measure of success is boosting revenue, not just visitor numbers. The expanded mandate for Travel Alberta better positions us to support economic recovery and sustainable growth that will benefit Albertans, businesses and communities for decades to come,” said CEO of Travel Alberta, David Goldstein.
Companies are still expected to file returns as required by the Tourism Levy Act and will resume regular tourism levy payments on amounts collected in or after April 2021.
