The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is making administrative improvements to the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) under Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy. These improvements build on the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen the Canadian tourism sector and support job growth so that this industry can continue to make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy.
These improvements include:
- launching a GST/HST rulings service for tour operators;
- streamlining the processing of FCTIP rebate claims;
- creating and distributing a multilingual pamphlet for tour operators; and
- making it easier for tour operators to find information about the FCTIP on the CRA Web site.
1. GST/HST rulings service for tour operators
The CRA is launching a GST/HST rulings service for tour operators to help eliminate any uncertainty some tour operators may have in determining whether their tours comply with the FCTIP. Specifically, the CRA will provide rulings on whether a tour operator’s tour is an eligible tour package under the FCTIP.
Although it is not a requirement under the FCTIP that tour operators request a ruling on the eligibility of their tour packages, this service is being implemented by the CRA as a means to help tour operators comply voluntarily with their obligations and to receive their rebates under the program.
To make this process easier for tour operators, the CRA is providing a checklist that tour operators should use to request a ruling on whether a tour is an eligible tour package for purposes of the FCTIP. Please refer to GST/HST Notice 273, GST/HST Rulings Service – Eligibility of Tours under the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program, for more information.
2. Streamlining the processing of FCTIP rebate claims
The CRA is reducing the paper burden and mailing costs for tour operators by streamlining the processing of rebate claims under the FCTIP. This will reduce the CRA’s processing time and result in tour operators receiving their FCTIP rebate cheques faster.
For example, the CRA is piloting different ways tour operators can submit their information to the CRA, including accepting PDF files on discs.
In cases where a tour operator is having problems filing a FCTIP rebate claim, the CRA will contact the tour operator and explain how to properly file a claim. This will reduce the CRA’s processing time for subsequent FCTIP rebate claims received from the tour operator.
3. Creating and distributing a multilingual pamphlet for tour operators
The CRA is raising awareness about the FCTIP by creating and distributing a multilingual pamphlet RC350, The Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program, for tour operators providing basic information about the FCTIP in eight different languages. The pamphlet will be published in English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish, representing the top inbound tourism markets to Canada. The pamphlet will be available online and will include information about the types of rebates available to tour operators under the FCTIP.
4. Making information on the FCTIP easier to find
Some tour operators have found it difficult to find information about the FCTIP on the CRA’s Web site. In response to these concerns, the CRA has revised its Web site and improved its search results, so that program information is more easily accessible.
In addition, the CRA is amending its booklet RC4160, Rebate for Tour Packages, Foreign Conventions, and Non-Resident Exhibitor Purchases, to provide clearer and more concise information about the FCTIP.
For more information about FCTIP, visit www.cra.gc.ca/visitors or call 1-800-959-5525.
