| Lodging tax shifts from $2 to 3% per night: a financing measure aligned to the tourism activity that Tourisme Montréal helps generate On behalf of its members, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the announcement made by Françoise Gauthier, Quebec's Minister of Tourism, on the change of the accommodation tax from $2 to 3% per night, a recommendation we have supported since 2004. Tourism is a vital sector of Quebec's economy. Each year, this economic activity attracts more
than seven million visitors who inject more than $2.5 billion directly into our economy. A healthy tourism industry thus contributes greatly to the economic vitality of the metropolis. Far from increasing the tax burden on Montrealers, the 3% accommodation tax is a particularly promising way to generate greater economic activity in the metropolis. The change will primarily affect visitors from outside the metropolitan area. Moreover, the amounts raised will enable Tourisme Montréal to promote the metropolis even more effectively and enhance its reputation both inside and outside the country. Not surprisingly, this type of financing measure is being adopted by more and more cities, including Toronto. Montreal's ambitions to be a prosperous, creative city and a world-class metropolis cannot be
realized without the necessary means. For this reason, the Board of Trade applauds this new measure, which will allow Tourisme Montréal access to financing aligned to the growth of the tourism activity it actively helps to generate.
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