Whistler – Marketing the Resort to a Worldwide Audience 

Tourism Whistler Fees and Assessments
To fund the marketing, promotion and sales of resort services that make Whistler a successful destination, Tourism Whistler was formed to carry out collective marketing initiatives on behalf of the resort in order to maximize the financial success for all investors. Membership is compulsory for all properties on ‘Resort Land,’ and all members are required to pay assessments, which are set out in the Tourism Whistler Bylaws. Some Tourism Whistler’s marketing activities include: 

Marketing
You have probably seen brochures and read articles about Whistler in ski and travel magazines, newspapers, stores and other media as a result of Tourism Whistler programs. 

Facilities
Tourism Whistler operates the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Activity and Information Center and a central reservations system to allow direct vacation bookings. 

Festivals and Events
Program day-to-day village activities such as street entertainment, music festivals and special events throughout the year. 

Familiarization Tours
With the assistance of the hotels and restaurants, Tourism Whistler hosts media and travel industry leaders to increase awareness and knowledge of the resort. 

Fee Structure
Tourism Whistler has specified two fee categories. The first is Common Cost including costs for administration, general information, security and member services. The second category is Commercial Cost for the costs of marketing, promoting and selling Whistler as an international destination. 

Members Classification 

Commercial Members: contribute to the Common and Commercial Cost as operators of shops, restaurants and commercial offices. 

Residential Members: billed both Commercial and Common Cost for their condominium or home, but can have the Commercial Cost waived if the property is not rented, or available to rent more than 14 days per year. To claim this right, the Tourism Whistler member must swear a statutory declaration attesting to the non-rental provision. These members own properties which are not compelled to have the property placed in a rental pool. 

Lodging Members: those who choose to make their property available to rent for 14 days or more per year, and those who have a rental covenant registered on title (even if the property is used for personal recreation only), they contribute both Common and Commercial Cost. The only exception is if the owner occupies the property as his or her principal residence. To qualify for this exemption, the member must complete a notarized statutory declaration each year. 

Understanding Phase 1 and Phase 2 Covenants
In Whistler, some properties are covered by covenants ensuring that adequate accommodations are available for visiting guests. Phase 1 covenant requires that when the property is not being utilized for personal use, it is available 90 per cent of the time for nightly rental through a property rental management company. 

Phase 2 covenant restricts the owner’s personal use of the property to 28 days in the summer and 28 days in the winter, while making the property available for rentals through a property rental management company. 

Obviously, the key differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2 are the amount of time for owner use and the flexibility owners have in choosing a rental management company, as well as the amount of time it can be rented. Determine your motivation and home requirements by completing the questionnaire under “For Home Buyers.” 

Financing Nightly Rental Properties
Currently, financial institutions are requiring down payments of between 35 and 50 per cent on the purchase of properties zoned Phase 1 and Phase 2 (nightly rental properties) from both resident and non-resident buyers.