Overnight guests visiting Guelph contribute $1.2 million in MAT tax
In the first 16 months of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), guests visiting Guelph have contributed $1.2 million to the City. The MAT which came into effect in September 2022 added a four per cent tax charged on stays in places like hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and bed and breakfasts that are less than 30 days.
In 2023 alone, the MAT generated $950,000, an estimated $150,000 more than was initially projected. These funds will be split between the City and the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s tourism marketing division and Destination Marketing Guelph. The funds raised will be used to grow Guelph into a must-see visitor destination in Ontario.
This partnership is focused on improving sustainable tourism practices and products and services that attract visitors to Guelph while supporting the goal of making Guelph a premier place to travel for work and leisure through the updated brand, Guelph: Gather Here. For instance, in 2023, the City sent 20 Guelph Food and Beverage business representatives to the Feast On The Farm: Industry Day. The event focused on using local ingredients in menus and sustainable farming practices for food and drink businesses. Guelphites are known for their love of local ingredients and sustainable practices, so it was a valuable opportunity to learn how to expand these practices.
The MAT stands as proof of the City’s commitment to nurturing and expanding its tourism industry. It’s a strategic investment that promises to shape the city’s future as a hub of vibrant tourism activity, ensuring that every visitor experience in Guelph is nothing short of exceptional.
