Are you planning a trip to California soon? If so, you may have heard of the California Tourism Assessment Fee.
This fee is often included in the cost of your hotel room or vacation rental, but what exactly is it and why do you have to pay it? Let’s dive into the details.
What is the California Tourism Assessment Fee?
The California Tourism Assessment Fee, also known as the CTA fee, is a charge imposed by the state of California on lodging businesses. The fee was created in 1995 with the purpose of funding tourism marketing efforts for the state.
How much is the fee?
As of 2021, the CTA fee is 0.615% of the cost of your hotel room or vacation rental per night. For example, if your hotel room costs $200 per night, you would pay a CTA fee of $1.23 per night.
Why do I have to pay this fee?
The CTA fee may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it actually serves an important purpose. The revenue generated from this fee goes towards promoting tourism in California. This includes advertising campaigns, trade shows and events that showcase California as a top destination for travelers.
How is this fee collected and remitted?
Lodging businesses are responsible for collecting the CTA fee from their guests and remitting it to the state on a quarterly basis. The funds are then used by Visit California, a nonprofit organization that promotes tourism in California.
What are some benefits of paying this fee?
By paying the CTA fee during your stay in California, you are contributing to promoting tourism in the state. This helps support local businesses that rely on tourism dollars and ensures that visitors continue to flock to California’s beautiful destinations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the California Tourism Assessment Fee may seem like a small expense, but it plays an important role in promoting tourism in the state. By paying this fee during your stay in California, you are contributing to the continued growth and success of the tourism industry. So next time you book a hotel room or vacation rental in California, keep this fee in mind and know that you’re helping support this beautiful state’s economy.