Marketing Levy

Destination Cape Breton has been designated the official destination marketing and management organization for Cape Breton Island for the five municipalities on the Island. The Cape Breton Island Marketing Levy provides essential funding for delivering evidence-based marketing initiatives that drive visitation and extend stays.

What is the Marketing Levy?

As of January 1, 2024, a 3% marketing levy applies to every eligible night booked at all fixed-roof accommodation on Cape Breton Island. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cottages and short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

If you operate one of these accommodations, you collect the marketing levy from your guests and remit it to your municipality every month. Here’s how it works, and where the money goes:

• Destination Cape Breton uses the funds for evidence-based marketing that drives visitation to the Island and extends stays. 
• The guest pays the levy to the operator.
• The operator remits the levy to the municipality by the 15th of the following month.
• The municipality transfers the levy to Destination Cape Breton.

Did you know? The marketing levy has an estimated return on investment of $27 in direct visitor spending for every dollar collected.

Important Notice for Short-term Rental Operators

Platform companies like Airbnb and Vrbo are not yet collecting and remitting the marketing levy on your behalf. Currently, you’re responsible for collecting and remitting the Levy yourself.

More Information

Questions?

Reach out to Mary Theresa Jessome, Industry Engagement & Education Manager at Destination Cape Breton, at .