Alberta tourism bill aims to protect hotel customers

Alberta introduced Bill 16 to require destination marketing fees be remitted to designated marketing organizations and to require full room-price disclosure at booking; MLAs are expected to vote this session and a transition period runs until Dec. 31, 2026.

The Alberta government has introduced Bill 16, the Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act, to change how destination marketing fees are collected and disclosed at hotels, motels and inns. The legislation is prompted by concerns that some businesses keep fees intended for regional marketing organizations rather than remitting them. The government says the rules would require full price display at booking and ensure fees reach designated destination marketing groups. The Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association expressed support and said the province consulted affected groups. MLAs are expected to vote on the bill this legislative session, and the province has set a transition period through Dec. 31, 2026. Known details: - The legislation is called the Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act (Bill 16). - Businesses would be required to show the full room price at the time of booking. - The bill would require 100% of destination marketing fees to go to a designated marketing organization. - Marketing fees can only be charged in areas with a designated destination marketing organization; otherwise the fee cannot be charged. - Marketing fees are typically between 3% and 6% of a room cost and are separate from the provincial tourism levy of 4%. - MLAs are expected to vote on the bill during the current legislative session, which ends in mid-May, and a transition period runs until Dec. 31, 2026. Summary: The legislation seeks to increase transparency and accountability in how destination marketing fees are collected and used, addressing reports that some establishments have retained fees meant for regional marketing. The next procedural step is a vote by MLAs this legislative session, with a transition period to allow businesses and organizations to comply.