Tax revenue data shows Okanagan hotels hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic


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B.C.’s Ministry of Finance has released new data that highlights the struggles the Okanagan hospitality sector has faced during the coronavirus pandemic.

In Kelowna, hotel tax revenues decreased to $2.2 million from January to October, compared to $3.5 million over the same time period last year.

In Penticton, hotel tax revenue was down as well. The lakeside city saw its accommodations sector pay $550,243 from January to October, compared to $669,732 over the same time period last year.

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In Kelowna, the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is a 3 per cent tax applied to sales of short-term accommodations, like hotels and motels.

The levy provides funding for local tourism marketing initiatives, programs, and projects with the intent to help grow B.C. revenues, visitation, and jobs.

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13 COVID-19 cases now linked to private parties in Kelowna involving tourists.


13 COVID-19 cases now linked to private parties in Kelowna involving tourists – Jul 14, 2020

Tourism Kelowna said hotel tax revenue is down due to decreased travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like other destinations across Canada, Kelowna saw a complete halt to visitation in early 2020 as the global pandemic reached British Columbia and travel restrictions were imposed,” said Lisanne Ballantyne, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna.

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“Over the summer months, when travel restrictions were eased, Kelowna and the Okanagan saw above provincial and national averages for visitation and overnight stays, though these were still much below 2019 levels.”

Ballantyne said visitor spending was also down.


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“This hotel is fully occupied this weekend,” Tourism on upswing in the Okanagan despite pandemic


“This hotel is fully occupied this weekend,” Tourism on upswing in the Okanagan despite pandemic – Jul 3, 2020

“Coming into the end of 2020, travel slowed and restrictions and recommendations against non-essential travel were again imposed, resulting in limited overnight travel. Naturally, overnight stays and spending in destinations is far below 2019 levels, which, for Kelowna, was the highest year on record for accommodation levels and revenue,” she said.

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Ballantyne added that Kelowna also suffered major economic losses from reduced business travel and postponed or cancelled conferences and major events, including several high profile national and international events like the Memorial Cup and World Curling Championships.

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“These major events usually take place in the spring or fall months when travel levels are naturally a bit lower,” she said.

Tourism Kelowna said it anticipates 2021 hotel tax revenue will also be below 2019 levels as it will take years to fully recover from the impacts COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry.


Click to play video 'Bed and Breakfast operators in the Okanagan have been hard hit by the pandemic'



Bed and Breakfast operators in the Okanagan have been hard hit by the pandemic


Bed and Breakfast operators in the Okanagan have been hard hit by the pandemic – May 21, 2020

The tax is at 2 per cent in Penticton and was increased to 3 per cent in Osoyoos in September 2019.

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Osoyoos short-term accommodators paid $677,857 in the first ten months of 2020, while $597,077 was collected in the same time period the year prior.

B.C.’s remains under a non-essential travel advisory as health officials attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.

B.C. had explored the idea of an inter-provincial travel ban, but Premier John Horgan said last week the province cannot legally prevent non-essential travel. 



© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



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