What We Heard: Fairness and Consistency

Participants raised concerns about fairness across different types of accommodation operations, including whether businesses that comply could be placed at a disadvantage if others do not. Some comments also reflected concern about nearby destinations without a MAT might have an advantage, and whether that could affect bookings or competitiveness, particularly when travellers compare accommodation prices online.

Transparency concerns were just as strong. People wanted to know who would manage the funds collected by a MAT, how decisions for use of funds would be made, how often information about use of MAT would be shared publicly, and how to ensure funds are directed to tourism priorities rather than absorbed into general municipal operations. As per provincial legislation, a minimum of 50% of funds collected through MAT must be provided to an Eligible Tourism Entity - an organization with a mandate to promote tourism and destination development. Specific suggestions such as public reporting on funds raised and spent, public meetings to share updates, email updates to accommodation providers, and governance that includes representation from accommodation owners, residents, staff, and each Township.

There was also a strong interest in equity across Frontenac County. Participants wanted confidence that any future benefits would be visible across all four Townships and that fund allocation would not be directed to one community disproportionately to another.

How these concerns could be addressed or considered

The feasibility work is exploring a number of ideas that could help respond to what was heard through engagement. These are not decisions, but examples of approaches that may help address the concerns raised to date.

• Clear public information: Plain-language FAQs, regular project updates, and consistent communications can help address confusion about who pays, who remits, what is included, and how any future revenue would be used. This aligns directly with both the Bannikin recommendations and the current feasibility work.
• Direct outreach to hosts and accommodation businesses: Additional one-on-one conversations may help test whether potential approaches are workable across different accommodation types, business sizes, and booking models. The current draft report identifies this as a useful next step to improve participation and test practical implications.
• Opportunities for local input: The County is considering the creation of a short-term advisory group with representation from different parts of the accommodation and tourism community is one way local perspectives could continue to inform the feasibility work before any programs are put in place.
• Industry Involvement and Oversight: A tourism-focused Municipal Services Corporation is one concept being explored for the creation of a new Tourism Marketing organization. This could provide clear, transparent accountability and can be structured to ensure industry involvement.
• Administration: Third-party administration is another option under review, particularly as a way to reduce burden on municipalities and to support operators while improving consistency in remittance, documentation, and reporting. This responds to concerns raised by smaller operators about time and administrative burden.

Request a meeting

Accommodation businesses and hosts are encouraged to request a meeting or submit questions at ecdev@frontenaccounty.ca.