The Association touristique des Îles de la Madeleine is pleased to announce that the lodging tax will be applicable in the Magdalen Islands as of July 1, 2008.   Like most of the rest of Québec's tourist regions, the Îles de la Madeleine region will be charging a $2-per-night lodging tax.

The Îles de la Madeleine will be the 19th region to implement this tax. This measure is designed to provide the region with a separate source of revenue that can be used to intensify promotional campaigns.

Following the positive results of the vote on application of the lodging tax, Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine sent an official notice to the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Raymond Bachand, requesting authorization to implement Bill 76 in the archipelago.  In its April 30th news bulletin (2008-3), the Ministry of Finance announced that the specific tax on lodging would become applicable as of July 1, 2008. (www.finances.gouv.qc.ca).

Revenu Québec will soon be sending documentation to all licensed lodging businesses describing the procedures to be followed for collection of the lodging tax.  The Ministère du Revenu and Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine will also host an information meeting on the Îles de la Madeleine for those who will be affected by the implementation of this tax.

The Association touristique régionale des Îles de la Madeleine continues to work on this matter and will soon be signing a memorandum of understanding with the Minister of Tourism.  This memorandum will regulate dates and conditions for payment of lodging taxes collected in the region and define the responsibilities of all parties concerned.