Summerside, PEI, May 4, 2012 - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, today announced administrative improvements to the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) as part of the Harper Government’s commitment to Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy. These changes will further secure Canada’s place as a destination of choice for group travel.
“Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy sets out a new approach to strengthening Canada’s tourism sector, so that the tourism industry can continue to make a significant contribution to creating jobs and growth,” said Minister Shea.
The FCTIP provides Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) rebates on certain property and services used during conventions held in Canada, and on the accommodation portion of tour packages for non-residents. The administrative improvements announced today respond to requests from the tourism industry by launching a GST/HST rulings service to inform tour operators in advance about whether their tour packages will be eligible for a rebate; streamlining the processing of FCTIP rebate claims; creating and distributing a multilingual information pamphlet on the program; and making information on the FCTIP easier to find on the CRA website.
“In making it easier for tour operators to get their rebates, the improvements to the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program will help generate sales for our members,” said Mr. Anthony Pollard, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada. “We have a shared interest with the Government of Canada in ensuring that the program acts as an incentive in bringing visitors to Canada.”
“We are pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency is working with the tourism industry to improve the effectiveness of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program,” said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. “The administrative changes to the FCTIP are positive steps that will make this program work better for international tour operators and tourism businesses in Canada.”
For more information about Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy, go to www.tourism.gc.ca.
While in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, announces a new initiative designed to reduce red tape and administrative burdens on Canada's tourism industry. Left to right: Kevin Mouflier, Vice President of the TIAPEI and member of the Prince Edward Island Hotel/Motel Association, Minister Shea, and Arnold Croken, Tourism Summerside board member and General Manager of the Summerside Regional Development Corporation.
Backgrounder
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National Revenue Minister Gail Shea announced improvements to the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program. The program provides GST/HST rebates on certain property and services used in the course of conventions held in Canada, and on the accommodation portion of tour packages for non-residents.
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