What Is the California Tourism Assessment Fee?

By Alice Nichols

The California Tourism Assessment Fee is a fee that is charged to visitors who stay in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments in the state of California. This fee was established to help fund tourism marketing and promotion efforts throughout the state.

What is the Purpose of the California Tourism Assessment Fee?

The primary purpose of the California Tourism Assessment Fee is to promote and market the state as a tourist destination. The funds generated from this fee are used to support various tourism-related initiatives, including advertising campaigns, trade shows, and other promotional activities.

Who Has to Pay the California Tourism Assessment Fee?

Visitors who stay in hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging establishments are required to pay this fee. The fee is typically added onto the guest’s bill at the time of checkout.

  • The amount of the fee varies depending on the location and type of lodging establishment.
  • As of 2021, the maximum amount that can be charged per night is $3.50.
  • The fee applies regardless of whether or not the visitor is a resident of California.

How Is the Fee Collected?

The California Tourism Assessment Fee is collected by lodging establishments on behalf of the state. The establishments are required to report and remit these fees to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) on a regular basis.

Are There Any Exemptions?

There are a few exemptions from this fee:

  • Lodging establishments located within certain designated areas may be exempt from collecting this fee.
  • Lodging provided by government agencies or nonprofit organizations may be exempt.
  • Lodging provided as part of a medical treatment program may also be exempt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the California Tourism Assessment Fee is a small fee that is charged to visitors who stay in lodging establishments throughout the state. The purpose of this fee is to support tourism marketing and promotion efforts, which ultimately helps boost the state’s economy. Visitors should be aware of this fee and factor it into their travel budget when planning their trip to California.