Councillor Trevor Cunningham made the proposal.
“Texas has tax-free shopping and services for international travellers,” he said.
“Because we are moving forward with the ferry it would be nice to be able to offer the same type of opportunity for international travellers here.
Cunningham first moved that council write the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development with a request for them to consider tax-free shopping for international travellers in Nova Scotia.
After some discussion it was agreed the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce should be contacted.
Cunningham added later that council could also pursue the designation just for this area.
The Visitor Rebate Program (VRP) for taxes was cancelled by the federal government on April 1, 2007, despite a campaign by the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia to prevent it.
The program was replaced by the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) later in 2007. The rebates available under the FCTIP are different from those that were available under the former VRP.
Rebates are available on certain property and services used during conventions held in Canada, and on the accommodation portion of tour packages for non-residents only.
