Tourism fee for Hamilton hotels

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Members of Hamilton’s hospitality industry are ready to charge guests an extra couple dollars for staying at one of their hotels. They say it’s all part of a plan to make bids for big conventions and sporting events that local businesses should thrive on.

PJ Mercanti and his hospitality peers told city councillors that $20-million worth of Hamilton hotel rooms are vacant every year. They look to fill those rooms by charging you more to stay in one, thanks to a destination marketing program.

A one night stay in a small, corner room in the Sheraton on King will cost you an extra $3.50. The Sheraton and Staybridge are just a few of the many Hamilton hotels planning on adding the fee. A non-profit group, expected to be the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association will collect the funds. The group says they plan to bid on large conventions and sporting events like the Grey Cup.

Hotel chains in Toronto and Niagara Falls have been using this fee for several years and Mercanti and company believe that now is the time for Hamilton to operate at the same level.