As most COVID-19 restrictions ease, tourism in Ontario is finally picking up, and now some cities and towns are offering perks and discounts for people who visit. The rebates are in addition to the 2022 provincial Lodging Tax Credit, which will allow Ontario travelers to receive a 20 per cent income tax credit on eligible accommodations between January 1 and December 31, up to a maximum of $1,000 for one person and $2,000 for a family, for a maximum credit of $200 or $400 respectively. For example, Tourism Mississauga is offering a $100 prepaid gift card and a $20 Square One gift card to anyone who books a two (or more) night stay at a participating hotel. According to the city, the gift card is intended to be used in the area while staying in Mississauga. The program was launched in response to the hard-hit tourism sector during the pandemic, the city said. In Guelph, the city is promising locals and visitors alike, who book a minimum two-night stay at one of six participating hotels and inns, a $100 gift card. A similar program is also available in London, where they are giving away $100 VISA gift cards to people who stay two or more nights at one of the participating hotels. Ottawa Tourism says people who decide to stay in the city for three consecutive nights will have their third hotel night covered if they stay at a participating hotel. Meanwhile, Tourism Burlington is offering overnight guests a $50 VISA gift card and a $100 discount for people who stay two consecutive nights at a participating hotel. Several hotels in Kingston are offering $100 VISA gift cards, as well as other perks like prepaid gas cards to cover fuel costs.
