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Advocating for Industry in Alberta's 2024 Budget
January 31, 2024

Advocating for Industry in Alberta's 2024 Budget

The AHLA continues to advocate for members and the hotel industry by providing feedback on the Government of Alberta’s 2024 Budget. In the feedback submission, we highlight the significant financial strain that  hotels in Alberta continue to experience. Hotels are pillars of their communities, serving guests and providing fulfilling careers for employees. They are a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable, clean growth in the province. If the Alberta government intends to deliver on their goal of doubling tourism revenues by 2035, the hotel industry will need their support on key measure, such as:

Dedication of the Tourism Levy to Travel Alberta

Dedicate 100% of the revenues collected through the 4% Tourism Levy to Travel Alberta as a driver of tourism to the province.

Increase Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Commission to 18%

VLT commissions have failed to keep pace with the rising costs of labour, utilities, and insurance. This increase would have a significant impact on small and medium sized businesses in rural and remote areas of Alberta.

Increased Regulation of Short-Term Rentals

A provincial framework is needed to curb the unintended negative impacts of the short-term rental market and level the playing field for businesses that have made significant financial investments in communities around Alberta. The AHLA recommends the Government of Alberta:

  1. Limit Short Term Rentals to the Owner’s Principal Residence
  2. Make Short Term Rental Platforms Accountable for Host Compliance
  3. Require Online Platforms to Share Data
  4. Ensure Complete Tax Fairness
  5. Modernize Relevant Provincial Legislation

We continue to be grateful for the assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and appreciate the open dialogue we have with Alberta’s government. The AHLA will continue to advocate for the interests of the accommodation sector on behalf of our members, and with a focus on measures that ensure continuous recovery and growth of our industry. Read our full submission here. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Chandler at lchander@ahla.ca [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]