Montréal, May 6, 2015 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal asks the Minister of Tourism, Dominique Vien, to confirm that the management of Greater Montréal’s accommodation tax will remain with Tourisme Montréal. Centralizing the tax would run counter to the intentions expressed by both the Mayor of Montréal and the Premier of Quebec to give Montréal metropolitan status and reinforce its autonomy.
“The Board of Trade generally supports the Ministère du Tourisme’s objective to improve tourism industry performance, but it is against having the management of the accommodation tax levied in the metropolitan area removed from Tourisme Montréal’s authority,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “The tourism industry is a major economic contributor to the city and an important builder of its international reputation. We believe that Tourisme Montréal meets the business community’s expectations and makes effective, strategic use of its revenue.”
“This tax was introduced at Tourisme Montréal’s initiative,” Michel Leblanc said. “The buy-in of the city’s hotel operators was conditional on the fact that it be managed by an organization that represents them and that they feel an affinity for. This tax is much more than a means of financing. It is leverage to mobilize local players to create a consensus and work toward common objectives for promoting the city.”
“Montréal has a unique identity when it comes to international tourism thanks to the many tourism products and promotional efforts made by Tourisme Montréal over the years,” Michel Leblanc said. “This unique identity requires an approach to promotion that reflects the local reality and that businesses will buy into. The accommodation tax is a strategic tool that needs to remain under the city’s control.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
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Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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