Community
How the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) supports Kingston’s economy
Tourism
$775 million
economic impact
2.6 million
visitors
681,260
room nights
(hotels and shared economy)
Accommodation partners collect the 5% MAT from guests
Funds are invested to grow Kingston tourism through:
Destination marketing
Major event attractions
Strategic intiatives
Product development
Advocacy – municipal, provincial & federal
Resident Sentiment
As Kingston grows as a visitor destination, it is essential that tourism development reflects the values and priorities of its residents. Residents are not only hosts but primary beneficiaries of tourism. Enhancing quality of life, fostering inclusion, and listening to local perspectives are foundation to all tourism decisions. To grow resident trust and tourism literacy, KAP established a Community Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to KAP and industry stakeholders on matters pertaining to tourism infrastructure investment, accommodation sector growth, and fostering positive resident sentiment regarding the value of tourism to the Kingston community.
- View meeting minutes.
- Interested in joining the committee? Reach out to Megan at megan@visitkingston.ca
Place building and community partnerships
Through place building initiatives and community partnerships – including event sponsorship – we help create experiences for residents and visitors alike to enjoy Kingston. Some of our contributions include supporting, influencing, and contributing to:
Strategic initiatives
- Kingston’s Integrated Destination Strategy
- Kingston’s Culinary Strategy
Infrastructure Development
- The Slush Puppie Place build which hosts hundreds of sporting events, concerts, special events, and community activities.
- Expansion of the Visitor Information Centre.
- Kingston’s airport expansion.
- Conceptual design and business case for an alternative high-speed rail route along Eastern Ontario’s highway 401.
Sales & Marketing Support
- Led development of Kingston’s award-winning Fresh Made Daily brand
- Erected the highly popular and trending KINGSTON sign
- Support for Tourism Kingston’s on-going sales and marketing efforts, and its incentive fund program
- Helping to bring prestige curling events to Kingston, including the Scotties 2013 and Brier 2020 winning bids
- Support for the Kingston Film Office to attract and support media production
