Smevo
Mar 1, 2007, 4:31 AM
This was posted in Wednesday's Cape Breton Post. Although the story focuses on Cape Breton, it would have similar effects region-wide I assume.
Government decisions hurting tourism: MP
Section: Cape Breton
By Wes Stewart,
The federal government needs to take a hard look at how its decisions impact tourism, says Sydney-Victoria's MP.
Ottawa will eliminate the visitor GST rebate effective April 1 - a program that allows foreign visitors to recover tax on purchases of goods and short-term accommodations.
"My big concern is that this is being done before the 2009 anniversary of the first powered flight in the British Empire in Baddeck," Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking said.
"We will be giving quotes to major corporations and organizations on the cost of coming here. It is going to be really difficult for us if they are not going to get that rebate."
As well, Eyking is concerned about small airports, like Sydney's, that have opportunities for charter flight offers by airlines but are hampered by onerous services costs.
"If we are to increase charter flights to Sydney we need the tax rebate and Customs and Border Services people on hand," he said.
"Unless you can get inexpensive customs at your airport then no small airport can have direct flights into the United States," confirmed Sydney Airport Authority chairman Vince MacLean.
A private jet flying from the United States destined for Sydney must first land in Halifax and clear customs before proceeding to Sydney, he pointed out.
Developers promoting Cape Breton to the high-end European tourist market could be hampered by having to land in Halifax to clear customs before continuing.
MacLean said it costs more for the Sydney Airport Authority to provide customs services because of the extra charges than it would make on landing fees from the air carrier.
"It puts small airports at a complete disadvantage.
"Customs should be provided by the federal government free of charge in order to promote development at smaller airports."
The manager of the Quality Inn regularly gets American tourists who inquire about the tax rebate for visitors.
"They look for the forms and for directions on where to send it," said Brett Leblanc.
Inverary Inn manager Scott MacAulay noted the rebate is particularly important for group travel.
"If you are a tour group it could amount to $500 to $600 a day to a group of 30-40 people."
Government decisions hurting tourism: MP
Section: Cape Breton
By Wes Stewart,
The federal government needs to take a hard look at how its decisions impact tourism, says Sydney-Victoria's MP.
Ottawa will eliminate the visitor GST rebate effective April 1 - a program that allows foreign visitors to recover tax on purchases of goods and short-term accommodations.
"My big concern is that this is being done before the 2009 anniversary of the first powered flight in the British Empire in Baddeck," Sydney-Victoria MP Mark Eyking said.
"We will be giving quotes to major corporations and organizations on the cost of coming here. It is going to be really difficult for us if they are not going to get that rebate."
As well, Eyking is concerned about small airports, like Sydney's, that have opportunities for charter flight offers by airlines but are hampered by onerous services costs.
"If we are to increase charter flights to Sydney we need the tax rebate and Customs and Border Services people on hand," he said.
"Unless you can get inexpensive customs at your airport then no small airport can have direct flights into the United States," confirmed Sydney Airport Authority chairman Vince MacLean.
A private jet flying from the United States destined for Sydney must first land in Halifax and clear customs before proceeding to Sydney, he pointed out.
Developers promoting Cape Breton to the high-end European tourist market could be hampered by having to land in Halifax to clear customs before continuing.
MacLean said it costs more for the Sydney Airport Authority to provide customs services because of the extra charges than it would make on landing fees from the air carrier.
"It puts small airports at a complete disadvantage.
"Customs should be provided by the federal government free of charge in order to promote development at smaller airports."
The manager of the Quality Inn regularly gets American tourists who inquire about the tax rebate for visitors.
"They look for the forms and for directions on where to send it," said Brett Leblanc.
Inverary Inn manager Scott MacAulay noted the rebate is particularly important for group travel.
"If you are a tour group it could amount to $500 to $600 a day to a group of 30-40 people."