ORHMA AGM

Tony Elenis, David Blades and Darren Sim

TORONTO—“In 2009, Ontario’s Competitiveness study brought enthusiasm and rejuvenation. Three years later, that exercise has been proven to be nothing more than a dog and pony show,” said Tony Elenis, president and CEO of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association at the organization’s annual general meeting in early June.

Although Elenis applauded the provincial initiative on red tape reduction for restaurants, he had strong words to say about the HST and its effect on the hotel industry.

“The introduction of a 13 per cent HST on hotel guest rooms wiped out the successful DMF model—a model developed by industry as a solution to an industry problem,” said Elenis. “With the failed attempt of the unreasonable and unwelcomed Regional Tourism Levy, destinations are now forced to bring back the DMF...and charge a fee on top of the higher tax rate or operate without a funding model.”

Elenis pledged to remain vocal on reducing the guest room HST through a summer grassroots campaign throughout the province.

The meeting concluded with the passing of the torch from outgoing chair David Blades to incoming chair Darren Sim.