Every five years Tourism Fernie Society is required by the Province of BC to develop a five year plan as part of a process to confirm stakeholder support for the renewal of the 3% MRDT/hotel tax - a legislated tax that is paid by visitors staying a local area accommodations for under 27 nights.
The renewal process took place from late 2023 until April 2024 and included:
- providing the draft five year plan to tourism members for review and input. Members and other interested individuals send questions or feedback
- Resolution to approve renewal by City of Fernie council
- Resolution to approve renewal by RDEK Board
- Sign-off by commercial accommodators (companies that collect the MRDT and have 4+ units)
- Review and support by Destination BC
- Final plan submitted to the Province by May 1, 2024
- Final approval by Ministry of Finance