In anticipation of a new tax on overnight stays being implemented, city officials are set to host a series of sector-specific town hall meetings to share details and gather input from local business people impacted by the fee.
Earlier this year, city council approved a four per cent Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) to be implemented in September, which is expected to add between $4 and $7 per night on overnight stays in the city. Generated funds are intended to support a variety of new tourism initiatives, visitor attraction and infrastructure improvements in the community.
“The tourism industry was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 and we want our community to know they have our full support,” said Cathy Masterson, the city’s manager of tourism and destination development, in a news release. “We will listen keenly and make sure our future work reflects what our local businesses tell us.”
The first April 20 town hall, which runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., is intended for people in the food and beverage industry. Later that day, between 4 and 6 p.m., another session is geared for people who head up special events and festivals.
An April 21 town hall is specific to small businesses and organizations, running from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Each of the sessions takes place in the programming room at Guelph Civic Museum.
The town hall sessions are free to attend, but advanced registration is encouraged. Click the sector names to link to registration pages.
