North Okanagan communities back Vernon’s hotel tax for tourism marketing, but they aren’t being asked to participate in the program.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is providing a letter of support to the city so it can apply to the provincial government for its hotel tax to be renewed. But the city is not looking to expand the tax beyond its border to other jurisdictions in the area.
“There may be an opportunity at a future date but not right now,” said Kevin Poole, the city’s economic development officer, specifically of Silver Star.
However, Poole told RDNO directors the city’s tourism marketing program has a broad scope.
“Accommodators at Silver Star do not collect the tax. Any other accommodators in Lumby, Enderby and Armstrong do not collect but the attractions in your area benefit,” he said.
A two per cent tax is charged on each room booked in Vernon’s hotels and motels and year-to-date until July, the levy has raised $305,167 for tourism marketing,
The city’s primary marketing focus is visitors from Alberta and B.C.
