The Government of Alberta has announced that hotels and other lodging providers will be allowed to keep the tourism levy they collect between March 1 and December 31, 2020.
This measure will free up between $16 and $27 million in additional cash flow for the hospitality sector and will help position the accommodation industry for recovery.
Accommodation providers are still expected to file returns throughout 2020, as required by legislation, and will be expected to resume regular tourism levy payments in 2021. Amounts collected prior to March 1, 2020 that are being deferred under the previously announced deferral program can continue to be deferred until August 31, 2020.
“At the outset of the COVID-19 crises the AHLA participated in an industry roundtable call with the Premier and identified liquidity as our industry’s top concern. One of our key asks was for government to leave every tax dollar possible in the hands of our members to support liquidity for their business. Today’s announcement directly supports our ask and is positive news for hotels in Alberta. We sincerely thank the Government of Alberta for this support.”
-Dave Kaiser, President and CEO, AHLA
Travel Alberta is also working on measures to support local tourism organizations across Alberta that will be announced at a later date.
Government of Alberta Tourism Levy web page
Government of Alberta Special Notice: Tourism Levy Abatement & Deferral