HST will add to event ticket prices
Posted By BILL HENRY
SUN TIMES STAFF
Brace yourselves for higher ticket prices under the harmonized sales tax starting in July.
Some area arts organizations are scrambling to assess the HST’s full impact, analyzing both the higher ticket prices they’ll have to charge and the additional tax bite on their programming budgets.
The HST merges the 8% provincial sales tax and the 5% federal goods and service taxes into a single 13%. It means the end of current PST exemptions for many items and services, such as tickets to concerts and other public performances.
Arts groups expect both the tax hit and slower ticket sales will affect their bottom line.
Since performing arts groups in Ontario were not required to charge provincial tax on tickets, patrons will pay an additional 8% to see concerts, plays and other performances once the change comes in.
To read the full article, click here.
LOOKAHEAD 2010: A busy year for tourist industry
Jim Donnelly, Ottawa Business Journal
The head of Ottawa’s tourism authority is “cautiously optimistic” about this year’s upcoming tourist season, adding that any recuperation in his industry would be tied to an overall recovery in the economy.
“It would seem as if there has been a bit of growth in consumer confidence (lately), there’s been a couple months of growth in the economy,” said Ottawa Tourism president and CEO Noel Buckley. “And tourism, like everything, is afffected by macroeconomic conditions.
As far as the upcoming year is concerned, Mr. Buckley said a host of catalysts will work in the National Capital Region’s favour including the opening of Calypso Waterpark, the re-opening of a newly renovated Museum of Nature in late May and continued momentum from the region’s festivals and one-off yearly events such as the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Race Weekend and Bluesfest.
“I think those all bode well for 2010,” he said.
Full article is available at OBJ online: LOOKAHEAD 2010: A busy year for tourist industry
Deadline for Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) Awards Applications (January 8, 2010)
FEO Top 100 & Achievement Awards applications are still available, but not for long!
Festivals & events industry professionals exude two very notable qualities – passion & commitment. The Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) Awards Program is created to give recognition to the countless hours spent on creating world-class festivals/events here in Ontario.
January 8th, 2010, is the deadline for applications. That means there are only two weeks left to get them into the FEO office. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!
Past recipients will tell you that being a Top 100 Festival has helped in building community spirit and support. They will also share with you that being a Top 100 festival is a strong marketing tool and can be used when generating sponsorship, looking for media support, or filling out grant applications.
Our Achievement Awards are dedicated to featuring special qualities and/or components of a festival or event. Whether it is an interactive virtual campaign, or a go-green idea, we want to see what makes your festival stand out. Every festival has something that makes them distinct from any other festival. Show us what makes yours unique.
As an added bonus, if you are a FEO Top 100 or Achievement Award recipient, your festival/event will be highlighted in our annual guide.
Applications can be found using the links below, or on our website at www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca. Hope to see your applications soon!
Interview with Jantine Van Kregten from Ottawa Tourism
The folks over at the Ontario, Canada Travel blog have an interview with Jantine Van Kregten from Ottawa Tourism. It highlights information about Ottawa’s attractions, accommodations, entertainment, eateries and history. In response to a question, Jantine also highlights a number of Ottawa’s festivals.
