The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced the province’s framework to address short term accommodations and plans to amend the Tourist Establishments Act.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, has developed a framework that focuses on a whole-of-government approach, working closely with various government departments, along with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, to address the growth of unlicensed short term accommodations in the province. The framework was recently shared with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador executives and board members who were supportive of this approach.
The first step is proposed amendments to the Tourism Establishment Act and Regulations, to meet the current realities of the tourism market and the industry, while still ensuring the Provincial Government has a role in oversight for all accommodations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
The primary changes being recommended for amendment, include:
- Amending the definition of a tourism establishment, to be more in line with the modern range of available accommodations (including all short term accommodations);
- Removing the mandatory requirement for Canada Select ratings;
- Removal of licenses being issued to tourism operators by the department and require registration with the department for all accommodations.
The proposed amendments are intended to ensure a level playing field for all accommodation businesses in the province’s tourism industry.
The department is also working with Public Engagement and Planning to develop an online stakeholder engagement questionnaire for accommodation operators. Details on the engagement process will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Quotes
“Our government encourages and fosters conditions that support small business growth in the tourism industry. Supporting local, registered and licensed operators in the industry is vital. In saying that, we have reached a point where changes to our province’s tourism accommodations policies are needed and modernizing the Tourism Establishments Act is an important first step. We feel the legislation should apply equally to short term accommodations, as the time to level the playing field is now. Online accommodation platforms may be popular with travelers, but there is a need for short-term establishments to become registered and comply with applicable municipal and provincial regulations and taxation requirements. By directly engaging with accommodation operators, this will help to inform government of the improvements needed and how to assist the industry. We are committed to working on solutions and continue working with the tourism industry, throughout this process.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“At Hospitality NL, we have been advocating for a review of the Tourism Establishment Act for quite some time, and are pleased to work with our Provincial Government to ensure the legislation means more quality and regulated accommodations for this province. This amendment will create a more sustainable accommodations sector that will strengthen our tourism industry as a whole.”
Steve Denty
Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Shanelle Clowe
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2000, ext. 231
sclowe@hnl.ca