News

Marketing Levy Changes on Track for January 2024

In January 2024, the Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy is set to increase from 2% to 3%. The levy will be charged on all fixed-roof accommodations and include short-term rentals like Airbnb, VRBO, etc. that are registered under the Tourist Accommodations Registration Act.

This change was initiated by new province-wide legislation for levies that allows municipalities to generate revenue to attract tourists to their communities.

Accommodations will collect the levy funds from their guests and remit the funds to their respective municipalities, who will then in turn provide those funds to Destination Cape Breton. Destination Cape Breton will use the funds to promote Cape Breton Island as a tourism destination.

Over the course of the next eight months, the five municipalities on the Island are planning to introduce new marketing levy bylaws in accordance with the new provincial legislation.

We will keep operators informed as we move through the process. 

Marketing Levy Background

• Legislated by the Province in 2011 and implemented by municipal by-laws
• 2% charged on fixed-roof accommodation stays at properties with 10 or more rooms
• Longer-term stays (30 days+), medical stays and students in dorms are exempt
• Funds must be used to promote Cape Breton Island as a tourism destination
• MOU with all five municipalities designates Destination Cape Breton as the official agency to promote the Island
• Accommodations collect and remit the levy funds to the municipalities, who then in turn provide those funds to Destination Cape Breton