Page last reviewed and updated on: September 22, 2026.
Learn more about what the new Act means for you, for TCK, and for the future of our visitor economy.
The Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act, formerly Bill 16, introduces clear rules around destination marketing fees (DMF), including transparency, accountability, and local reinvestment. These are key elements for supporting Alberta’s visitor economy.
The Act became law on July 14, 2026. We are now in the transition period running until December 31, 2026. It comes into effect on January 1, 2027.
Yes. TCK advocated for regulation like this for years. It brings transparency to how destination marketing fees are collected and used. In turn, visitors, local businesses, and the community can have confidence in how those funds are used. It supports TCK’s triple bottom-line: people, planet, and prosperity.
TCK is in the process of getting approval under the Act. Once our application has been approved, we will let businesses know.
If we are not given approved destination status, tourism operators will not be allowed to charge a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) to their guests.
Fees collected in Canmore and Kananaskis stay here. They support our marketing efforts, visitor experiences, and local development.
Please learn more about TCK’s strategy and business plan here.
Accommodation, activity providers and rental businesses can charge and submit a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) through a designated trustee to Tourism Canmore Kananaskis. Businesses in the categories Food & Beverage and Retail can also become TCK members by paying an annual membership fee.
No. Charging the DMF is voluntary. But the funds shape the destination you operate in either way, so it’s worth staying informed even if you don’t plan to charge it.
We encourage you to learn more about becoming a member. Discover how we’re investing these funds back into Canmore and Kananaskis.
Be in touch and check out more here.
If you are charging a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF), you are required to submit through a designated trustee who tracks how the funds are funneled to the approved Destination Marketing Organization. In other words, if you are already charging and submitting a DMF, nothing will change for you.
If you are not submitting a DMF yet, please contact Laurie Cantello, our Community Engagement Manager, to learn more.
If you already charge the fee as a 2 Per Cent DMF Member, you already know that you get a real voice in how our destination develops and how funds are used.
We will continue to demonstrate our value regularly and transparently. The legislation isn’t something happening to our members, we’ve helped shape it, so we want to help everyone understand the benefit.
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis is currently applying for approved destination status.
The Act strengthens governance oversight. Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) must now have a majority of accommodation and tourism experience providers on their Board, which is a best practice TCK already follows. It also requires each approved destination to maintain a three-year business plan and report to the minister annually. TCK has long developed and published its annual business plan for its membership.
First off, thank you!
Please be in touch with Laurie Cantello, our Community Engagement Manager. She’ll walk you through what’s involved, from designation requirements to setting up collection and remittance to how TCK uses those funds, so you can be ready to charge the fee with confidence.
Yes. Clear, consistent rules apply across the board. Operators know now the system is fair. Visitors can also feel confident their contributions are going back to the community they’re visiting.
Please expect regular updates as we move through each phase. We are here to help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare. Ongoing, we’ll continue to share where fees go and what they’re achieving.
If you have specific questions, please reach out to Laurie Cantello, Community Engagement Manager.
There are some fantastic resources by the Government of Alberta:
- Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act, Policy and Guidelines
- Destination Marketing Fee Collection and Reporting
- Government of Alberta Press Release on Bill 16, including words by Rachel Ludwig, TCK CEO
For information about and to request TCK support, please contact Laurie Cantello, our Community Engagement Manager.
PLEASE NOTE: TCK is here to help through the process. We will update this page with other questions and answers as we move toward the January 1, 2027 implementation date.