Tourism Whistler Fees: What Property Owners Need to Know
If you own or are considering purchasing a property in Whistler, you may have come across the requirement to pay Tourism Whistler Fees. These fees are mandatory for certain properties, but why? In this post, we’ll break down what these fees are, why they exist, and how they contribute to Whistler’s success as a world-class destination.
What Are Resort Lands?
In 1975, the Resort Municipality of Whistler Act was established to support the development of Whistler as a premier tourist resort. As part of this plan, specific areas within Whistler were designated as Resort Lands—prime locations for visitor accommodations and tourism-focused businesses. Many properties in these areas have covenants on their titles, ensuring that they remain available for rent to tourists. This helps maintain Whistler’s reputation as a top-tier resort and ensures a steady flow of visitors to support local businesses.
Why Do Property Owners Pay Tourism Whistler Fees?
To support Whistler’s growth and ensure ongoing promotion of the destination, the Whistler Resort Association(operating as Tourism Whistler) was created. Membership in Tourism Whistler is compulsory for owners of properties located on Resort Lands. These owners are required to pay annual assessment fees, which help fund marketing and sales initiatives that attract visitors to Whistler.
These marketing efforts don’t just benefit hotels and tourism operators; they contribute to the overall economy by increasing demand for accommodations, restaurants, and retail businesses, making Whistler a thriving year-round destination.
Where Do Tourism Whistler Fees Go?
Tourism Whistler assessment fees are divided into two categories:
Common Fees: Paid by all members, these cover general administration and member services to ensure smooth operations and strong representation for all property owners.
Commercial Fees: These are additional fees paid by owners who use their properties for commercial purposes or whose properties have specific Phase One covenants and are located in Whistler’s Town Centre. These fees directly fund marketing, sales initiatives, group conference sales, visitor services, and destination development.
What Do These Fees Fund?
Tourism Whistler uses assessment fees to promote Whistler globally through:
Advertising & Brand Awareness – Attracting visitors through strategic marketing campaigns.
Group Sales & Conferences – Bringing large-scale events and corporate groups to Whistler.
Events & Media Relations – Hosting events and leveraging media exposure to showcase the resort.
Whistler.com Reservations & Central Booking Services – Providing a seamless experience for potential visitors booking their trips.
Why This Matters for Property Owners
If you own a property in Whistler that falls under Resort Lands, it’s important to be aware that Tourism Whistler fees are registered on title. This means that when purchasing a property in one of these designated areas, you are automatically a member and required to contribute to the ongoing promotion of Whistler.
While the fees are mandatory, they also play a significant role in maintaining property values, as a strong tourism economy ensures ongoing demand for rentals and real estate.
Final Thoughts
Tourism Whistler fees are a key part of what keeps Whistler thriving as a global travel destination. If you own a property on Resort Lands, these fees contribute to marketing efforts that help sustain a strong real estate market and vibrant local economy.
If you’re considering purchasing or selling a property in Whistler, it’s important to understand how these fees impact ownership.
For more information, visit: Tourism Whistler Membership Overview
