Do I Have to Pay the Alberta Tourism Levy?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning to travel to Alberta, Canada? If so, you may be wondering if you have to pay the Alberta Tourism Levy. The answer is yes, but there are some exceptions.

What is the Alberta Tourism Levy?

The Alberta Tourism Levy is a tax that is imposed on visitors who stay in commercial accommodations in the province of Alberta. This includes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. The levy helps fund tourism-related initiatives and infrastructure projects in the province.

Who has to pay the Alberta Tourism Levy?

If you are a visitor staying in a commercial accommodation in Alberta for less than 30 consecutive days, you will have to pay the levy. The rate is currently 4% of your total accommodation bill.

However, there are some exemptions. If you are an Albertan resident staying in an accommodation within the province, or if you are a student attending a recognized educational institution in Alberta and your stay is related to your studies, then you do not have to pay the levy.

How is the Alberta Tourism Levy collected?

The levy is typically collected by the commercial accommodation provider and then remitted to the government. You will see it listed as a separate item on your bill.

If you book your accommodation through an online booking platform such as Airbnb or Booking.com, they may collect the levy on behalf of the government and remit it for you.

What happens if I don’t pay?

Not paying the Alberta Tourism Levy can result in penalties and fines. Accommodation providers who fail to collect and remit the levy can face legal action from the government.

As a visitor, it’s important to note that failure to pay could also impact future visits to Canada. The Canadian government keeps records of those who owe money for taxes or fees related to visiting Canada. If you owe money for unpaid taxes or fees upon leaving the country, you may be denied entry on future visits.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are planning a trip to Alberta and staying in commercial accommodations for less than 30 consecutive days, you will have to pay the Alberta Tourism Levy. However, there are some exemptions for Alberta residents and students. It’s important to ensure that the levy is collected and remitted properly to avoid penalties and potential issues with future travel.