The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is hoping to re-establish a local hotel tax.
Chamber Executive Director Bill Collette said every other city in BC is using the tax to fund marketing campaigns, and Port Alberni is losing out by not having it.
“We are at a competitive disadvantage when you look at being able to market Port Alberni outside our boundaries,” said Collette. “Other communities have this money that in my view is ‘free money’ to the community, that is paid for by the visitor to the community, so why wouldn’t we?”
Collette asked the Alberni – Clayoquot Regional District for political support to encourage hoteliers to get on board, and start adding 2 or 3% to hotel bills.
He said a few local hotels have been charging their own marketing fees, and he’s hoping to bring everyone in under a consistent tax system.
ACRD Directors referred the issue back to committee.