in thisissue - Corporation de l`industrie touristique du Québec

JUNE 2016 VOLUME 13 / NUMBER 2
IN THIS ISSUE
DON’T MISS
A NEW CHAIR OF THE BOARD FOR THE CITQ
page 2
THE CITQ RECEIVES A NEW INSPECTION MANDATE
page 2
Corporation de l’industrie
touristique du Québec
A LOOK AT THE AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION GOVERNING
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS
pages 3-4
A REMINDER ABOUT THE NEW CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
FOR TOURIST HOMES
page 5
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ON SIGNS
AND BOX SPRINGS
Follow us on Facebook and on line
page 6
WWW.CITQ.INFO
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE NEW
CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
FOR TOURIST HOMES?
Consult the annotated guide
in the operators-only section
at www.citq.info
Click on the question marks
for useful details on the
new classification criteria
for tourist homes
NEW CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
FOR TOURIST HOMES
NOW IN EFFECT
Major changes to the classification of tourist homes have now taken
effect. These new criteria, approved by the Ministère du Tourisme,
are the result of a broad-based consultation of both operators and
consumers.
This issue contains a summary of the main amendments. All operators
have received a paper guide, in which each criterion is described
by classification level. In addition, an online tutorial is available at
www.citq.info (see the ad, opposite).
See page 5 for the rest of the article. >
LEGISLATION GOVERNING
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
ESTABLISHMENTS UPDATED
Amendments to the Act and Regulation respecting tourist
accommodation establishments took effect on April 15. These
changes are intended mainly to clarify the concept of rentals to
tourists, and to define a tourist.
The new provisions also introduce an important change concerning
compliance with municipal by-laws. In addition, the new Act
considerably increases the fines for illegal accommodation.
See inside for the rest of the article. >
JUNE 2016 VOLUME 13 / NUMBER 2
Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
MESSAGE FROM
THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
I was delighted to accept the position of Chair of the
CITQ Board in March. I am taking on these duties at a
time when the CITQ is facing many exciting challenges.
The legislative changes to which much of this issue is
devoted are a good example. The amendments to the
Act respecting tourist accommodation establishments
and its Regulation, which took effect on April 15, have
a significant impact on the Corporation’s management
and operations.
That is also the case for the inspection mandate recently assigned to the CITQ by
the Ministère du Tourisme. In addition to handling all aspects of the classification
program for seven classes of establishments, the CITQ is now to play an even more
active role in the fight against accommodation without a classification certificate.
This is a major change in our very mission.
Supporting the CITQ in applying these new responsibilities, while making sure that
it has the resources it needs for its sound management and financial health, will
clearly be one of the major tasks facing all of us on the Board all year long.
Updating the classification criteria for bed and breakfast establishments is another
task that will keep us busy over the next few months. As directors, it is our job to
make sure the classification program is up to date, so that it continues to meet
industry expectations while reflecting current trends and consumers’ constantly
evolving needs.
This is why one of the CITQ’s objectives is to contribute actively to the quality of
tourist accommodation, in particular by offering a range of value-added services,
such as its planning service. We will continue to support the Corporation in these
efforts to help operators looking to improve their classification results.
Lastly, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks in
advance to everyone who will contribute to the success of the CITQ in the months
to come. I also wish all tourism accommodation operators in Quebec a profitable
year in all respects.
THE NEW
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
AN EXPERIENCED
MANAGER WITH
AN INTERNATIONAL
BACKGROUND
On March 17, the CITQ directors elected a veteran
manager with an international track record as
Chair of the Board. Dominique Lapointe has
nearly 30 years’ experience in the hotel industry,
as General Manager of Le Méridien Phuket Yacht
Club, Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, Le Méridien
Piccadilly London and Le Méridien Ile des Pins, in
New Caledonia.
She has also worked in Jakarta (Indonesia),
Bangkok (Thailand), Noumea (New Caledonia),
Bali, Tahiti and Kuala Lumpur, in addition to
serving as Sales Operations Director for Le
Méridien hotels in the UK and Ireland.
See the 2016 list of directors at www.citq.info.
INSPECTION DUTIES
ASSIGNED TO THE CITQ
The Ministère du Tourisme recently assigned the CITQ
a new mandate: conducting inspections to fight illegal
accommodation. Under the terms of the agreement,
the CITQ will identify establishments without a
classification certificate, inform the operators
concerned of their obligations and forward the
information necessary for follow-up by Ministère du
Tourisme investigators on non-compliant operators.
A special bulletin will be published in the next few
months to explain the details of this new CITQ mandate
and the steps to be taken to ensure its success.
Have a great summer!
Dominique Lapointe
Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
LEGISLATION GOVERNING
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHM
Here is a summary of the main amendments to the
Act and Regulation respecting tourist accommodation
establishments, which took effect on April 15.
A NEW PROCESS FOR
CONFIRMING COMPLIANCE
WITH MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS
A MORE DETAILED DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT
OF TOURIST RENTALS
Under section 1 of the Regulation, a tourist accommodation
establishment is any establishment in which:
• at least one accommodation unit is offered for rent,
• in return for payment,
• for periods not exceeding 31 days,
• to tourists,
• on a regular basis during the same calendar year and
• where the availability of the unit is made public
Operators no longer need to obtain a
certificate confirming that they comply
with local by-laws regarding land
uses. This responsibility has now been
taken on by the CITQ, which will notify
municipalities of any new application
for a classification certificate on their
territory. The same applies for requests to
change the class, type or number of units.
Municipalities will have 45 days to oppose
the application, after which the CITQ will
pursue the approval process.
WHAT IS A TOURIST?
As defined in section 1 of the Act, a tourist is a person who stays at least
one night outside his or her municipality of residence. This stay may be
for purposes of pleasure, business or paid work. The accommodation
service used may be private or commercial.
WHAT IS A REGULAR BASIS?
The interpretation guide for the new regulation issued by the Ministère
du Tourisme specifies that an offer is made on a regular basis when it
is constant or frequent and repeated.
WHAT IS AN OFFER MADE PUBLICLY?
The interpretation guide for the new legislation issued by the
Ministère du Tourisme states that an offer is made publicly when it
is published in an electronic or print medium, on a bulletin board, a
website or any other advertising tool.
For more details, see the interpretation guide (in French)
at www.citq.info.
“ Close your eyes. “
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE
IN FINES FOR ILLEGAL
ACCOMMODATION
Anyone operating a tourist
accommodation
establishment
without a
classification
certificate is
now liable to
a statement of offence
and fine ranging from
$2,500 to $25,000 per day
for individuals and $5,000 to
$50,000 per day for corporations.
Make your guests more comfortable and avoid penalties.
Get our 3- to 8-inch box springs.
Quebec-made mattresses and box springs
1 800-315-4080
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Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
MENTS UPDATED
THE HOSPITALITY VILLAGE CLASS
HAS BEEN REMOVED
Hospitality villages, of which there were 11 establishments before
the new regulation took effect on April 15, are no longer covered
by the Act and Regulation respecting tourist accommodation
establishments.
MORE DETAILED DEFINITION
OF THE HOTEL ESTABLISHMENT CLASS
According to section 7, paragraph 1 of the new Regulation,
the hotel establishment class is now defined as follows:
Establishments that offer accommodation in furnished rooms,
suites or apartments that have kitchen facilities, including
reception and daily housekeeping services and all other hotel
services. The underlining indicates the changes.
ATTESTATION DE CLASSIFICATION PROVISOIRE NOM DE L'ÉTABLISSEMENT CATÉGORIE D’ÉTABLISSEMENT : Établissements hôteliers DATE D’EXPIRATION : 10 décembre 2016 La présente doit être affichée en tout temps à la vue du public durant sa période de validité et doit être remplacée aussitôt que l’exploitant reçoit le panonceau permanent qui suit la visite de classification. PROVISIONAL CLASSIFICATION SIGNS
MUST BE POSTED
Under section 14 of the new Regulation, provisional classification
signs must now be conspicuously posted at the main entrance
of the establishment or, in the case of a group of movables or
immovables, in the location used to welcome or register tourists.
A provisional classification sign is issued to a new establishment
that meets the basic criteria, so that it can operate pending the
classifier’s visit.
ONLINE
AT
WWW.CITQ.INFO
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ACT
AND REGULATION RESPECTING
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
ESTABLISHMENTS?
See the interpretation
guide (in French)
prepared by the
Ministère du Tourisme at www.citq.info
Quelles sont les catégories d’établissements
d’hébergement touristique?
Pour commencer, les inspecteurs vous accompagneront dans votre
démarche en vous remettant un premier avis de sensibilisation et d’information afin de vous aider à :
• Établissement hôtelier : hôtel, motel, auberge, etc.;
• Bien comprendre vos obligations et vos responsabilités;
• Résidence de tourisme : chalet, maison, appartement en
copropriété, appartement en location, etc.;
• Exploiter votre établissement en toute conformité;
Guide d’interprétation
• Centre de vacances : camp de vacances, etc.;
• Obtenir votre attestation de classification.
• Gîte : maison privée, propriétaire présent, petit-déjeuner inclus,
maximum cinq chambres;
Par la suite, si vous continuez à offrir de l’hébergement à des
touristes sans avoir déposé une demande d’attestation de classification, le
ministère du Tourisme passera aux prochaines étapes de sa
procédure, décrite ci-après.
de la Loi et du Règlement sur
• Auberge de jeunesse : hébergement en dortoir ou en chambre,
cuisine commune, service de surveillance;
les établissements
Traitement de l’hébergement touristique en
• Établissement d’enseignement : université, collège, école offrant de
l’hébergement aux touristes;
non-conformité
d’hébergement touristique
• Établissement de camping : site pour tentes ou VR, prêt-à-camper
(cabine, yourte, tout type de tente, tipi, igloo, roulotte, etc.);
CHANGE IN THE VALIDITY OF A CLASSIFICATION
CERTIFICATE FOR THE EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTION CLASS
Like those for other classes of establishments classified by the
CITQ, classification certificates for educational institutions are
now valid for 24 months rather than 48 months.
• Établissement de pourvoirie : hébergement situé dans une pourvoirie;
• Autre établissement d’hébergement : tout autre type d’hébergement
offert à des touristes.
Dépistage ou dénonciation
mis à jour le 25 avril 2016
(Internet, plainte, etc.)
Premier avis de sensibilisation et d’information
(par courriel ou téléphone)
Comment obtenir mon attestation de
classification?
Si vous exploitez un établissement hôtelier, un gîte, une résidence de
tourisme, un établissement d’enseignement, un centre de vacances,
Deuxième avis
une auberge deAu
jeunesse
ou un autre
établissement
d’hébergement,
Québec,
quand
vous
offrez de l’hébergement à(par courrier)
vous devez joindre
des: touristes, vous devez détenir une attestation de
• Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
classification : un panonceau
Sans frais : 1 866 499-0550
qualité de l’hébergement offert.
Site Web : http://www.citq.qc.ca
indiquant le niveau de
Troisième et dernier avis
(par courrier)
Si vous exploitez un établissement de camping, vous devez joindre :
Pourquoi?
• D’un site Web : Airbnb, Kijiji, LesPac, ChaletsauQuebec,
• Camping Québec
Chaletsalouer, HomeAway, Homelidays, etc.;
Sans frais : 1 800 363-0457
Le Québec s’est doté d’une règlementation sur l’hébergement
• D’une affiche placée dans une fenêtre, sur le terrain d’une
Site Web : https://www.campingquebec.com
Visite d’un inspecteur ou d’un enquêteur en vue d’identifier
touristique pour assurer :
résidence ou d’un commerce;
le lieu de l’infraction et l’exploitant
Si vous exploitez un établissement de
vous
joindred’information,
:
• À la clientèle touristique :
• pourvoirie,
De brochures
oudevez
de dépliants
etc.;
(en personne)
- Le niveau de qualité des installations
et des services
offerts;
• Fédération
des pourvoiries
du Québec
• Des réseaux sociaux : Facebook, Twitter, blogue, etc.
- La sécurité grâce à l’assurance responsabilité
Sans frais civile.
: 1 800 567-9009
3. Mon offre de location est faite sur une base régulière. Par exemple,
Sited’hébergement
Web: http://www.pourvoiries.com
• Que tous les exploitants d’un établissement
Transfert du dossier au
elle est soit :
touristique sont soumis aux mêmes règles.
Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales
Pour toute information concernant
les frais: qui
et est
lesconstante,
conditions
• Habituelle
fréquente;
d’obtention, consulter le site Web du ministère du Tourisme
• Récurrente : qui revient, qui se répète;
http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/programmes-services/hebergement
Est-ce que j’exploite un établissement d’héberge• Constante : qui présente un caractère
de permanence,
de si j’offre de l’hébergement
Que
se passe-t-il
continuité
ou de stabilité.
ment touristique?
Quelles sont les autres conditions
à respecter?
à des touristes et que je n’ai pas d’attestation
de classification?
L’hébergement
touristique doit être permis par votre municipalité.
Oui, si je remplis TOUTES les conditions •suivantes
:
Exemples d’offres faites sur une base régulière :
Le ministère du Tourisme se chargera d’en faire la vérification;
Vous êtes en situation de non-conformité et vous vous exposez à
• J’offreassurez-vous
une chambre
à louer aux touristes
dans
résidence
• Si vous êtes locataire de l’établissement,
d’avoir
recevoir
unma
constat
d’infraction et vous faire imposer une amende :
• Une ou plusieurs unités d’hébergement :
principale
de semaine;
obtenu le consentement du propriétaire
pour toutes
faire deles
la fins
location
• 2 500 $ à 25 000 $ par jour pour une personne physique;
Une unité d’hébergement peut être une
chambre, une suite, un
touristique;
• J’offre ma résidence secondaire à louer pour plusieurs semaines
1. J’offre en location :
appartement, une maison, un chalet, un site pour camper ou un
• Fêtes,
5 000 les
$ à congés
50 000 fériés
$ par jour
les semaines
desest
vacances des
et pour une personne morale.
• Une assurance responsabilité civile en
de été,
2 millions
de dollars
prêt-à-camper (par exemple cabine, yourte, tout type de tente,
la semaine de relâche;
obligatoire;
N’oubliez pas!
tipi, igloo, roulotte).
J’offre
un chalet
à louer
de courtes périodes pendant deux
• La taxe sur l’hébergement devra •être
facturée
aux clients
et pour
versée
mois consécutifs;
• Tout hébergement qui affiche un panonceau est mentionné
à Revenu Québec, tout comme la TPS et la TVQ, si applicables;
• J’offre mon appartement en copropriété
louer
despromotionnel
touristes
surà le
site àWeb
du ministère du Tourisme
Somme d’argent reçue pour la location d’une unité d’hébergement.
• Les revenus tirés de la location devront
déclarés, comme
avecêtre
un calendrier
ouvert, le rendant disponible
en tout temps.
quebecoriginal.com;
• Pour des périodes (durée) de 31 jours et
moins : quel autre revenu.
n’importe
Est exclu de la base régulière l’hébergement
offert clientèle
uniquement
• Votre
sera lors
plus à l’aise pour réserver à votre établissement
Par exemple à la nuitée, à la semaine ou à la fin de semaine.
d’unmes
seul festival
ou événement touristique ou
encore,
un officiel du ministère du Tourisme;
si elle
voit pendant
le panonceau
Et si je ne connaissais pas
obligations?
• À des touristes :
moment dans l’année où vous n’avez pas besoin de votre domicile ou
• doit
La clientèle
internationale
recherche et reconnaît la classification
Si vous offrez de l’hébergement àde
des
touristes
sans
détenir l’attestation
votre
chalet.
La
publicité
pour
ces
offres
clairement
démontrer
Personnes qui voyagent au moins une nuit à l’extérieur de leur
signalée
parcette
des étoiles;
de classification
requise,unle ministère
du Tourisme enclenchera
sa proque l’hébergement
est disponible
uniquement
pendant
périodeles standards de classification du Québec
municipalité par agrément, pour affaires
ou pour effectuer
respectent
les normes
internationales.
et une répétition
publicité serait considérée
comme
régulière.
cédure de traitement
de l’hébergement
touristiquede
encette
non-conformité.
travail rémunéré et qui utilisent de l’hébergement
privé ou
• Contre rémunération :
commercial.
2. Mon offre de location est rendue publique. Par exemple, par l’intermédiaire :
• D’un babillard public;
• D’un journal;
Exemples d’offres faites sur une base non régulière :
• J’offre ma maison à louer chaque année lors d’un seul festival;
• J’offre mon condo à louer pendant mes vacances à l’extérieur;
• J’offre mon chalet à louer durant la semaine de relâche.
LITERIEHOTEL.CA
Hospitality products available online www.literiehotel.ca
New products: Sheets T - 300
Quote available online
[email protected]
…Comfort first…
JUNE 2016 VOLUME 13 / NUMBER 2
WWW.CITQ.INFO
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
TOURIST HOMES
NEW CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA TAKE EFFECT*
* reprinted from the September 2015 issue
QUALITY GETS A MORE
DETAILED EVALUATION
DEMERIT POINTS ADDED FOR
LACK OF CLEANLINESS AND UPKEEP
1
3
LATEST TRENDS
TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT
5
THE 2015 CLASSIFICATION GUIDE not only
contains a number of new demerit points
related to cleanliness and upkeep, but also
more severe penalties for a number of them,
such as mould, parasites and insects. In some
cases these penalties can even lead to the loss
of a star. Over 80% of consumer complaints
received by the CITQ are concerned primarily
with these three items.
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS
AND EQUIPMENT even more closely is
another of the objectives of these updated
classification criteria for tourist homes. The
CITQ’s classification tours have shown that
more and more tourist homes are offering
high-quality materials and facilities for their
customers, especially in the “Eating Area” and
“Bathroom” sections.
THE “EATING AREA” SECTION
MORE IMPORTANT
MORE EMPHASIS
ON COMFORT
THESE UPDATES WERE NOT ONLY BASED
on a vast consultation, but also take account
of industry trends for tourist homes in terms
of both indoor and outdoor amenities. The
CITQ visits specialized trade fairs and many
manufacturers as one way of staying abreast
of the latest trends. The updated criteria
also reflect the observations made during
the CITQ’s various classification tours of all
Quebec regions.
REMEMBER!
2
THE “EATING AREA” SECTION, formerly
called the “Kitchen and Dining Room,” now
carries more weight in the classification of a
tourist home. In a 2011 survey of consumers
and operators, the eating area was deemed
the second most important section of the evaluation, just after bedrooms.
THE NEW CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA for
tourist homes will be applied over a two-year
4
period. Tourist homes visited in 2014 will be
THE 2015 EDITION OF THE CLASSIFICATION evaluated on the basis of these new criteria in
GUIDE for tourist homes includes many new 2016, while those visited in 2015 will not be
criteria mainly concerning guests’ level of subject to the new criteria until 2017.
comfort. A 2012 survey of over 850 consumers
showed that adequate and sufficient bathroom
fixtures and household appliances, bedding,
bathroom linen and basic toiletries included
in the rental, and entertainment electronics
are all among customer expectations, in both
urban and cottage rentals.
JUNE 2016 VOLUME 13 / NUMBER 2
WWW.CITQ.INFO
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec
INSURANCE
ADVERTORIAL
INSURANCE IMPACTS
OF THE FORT MCMURRAY FIRES
As Alberta is battling the terrible fires that ravaged Fort McMurray,
we thought it would be useful to briefly summarize the repercussions
of such disasters on you and insurers. Although the insured damages in
Fort McMurray are considerable – estimated at $5 to $15 billion – insurers
will be able to handle these claims, for the simple reason that they themselves
have insurance coverage for losses due to catastrophes. It’s what is known as
the “reinsurance market.” With this coverage, insurers protect themselves and
avoid losses that could compromise their financial security, and yours. They will
have to absorb part of the losses, as they do for every claim. Their exposure
in the case of Fort McMurray may amount to $10 or $25 million, or perhaps
more for the largest insurance companies. Although they fortunately do have
the funds available to cover these losses, the share value is sure to take a hit and
there is likely to be an impact on premiums.
Airbnb
Individuals renting out short-term accommodation through Airbnb must have
a classification certificate authorizing them to do so. INVESSA has insurance
programs tailored to their needs. Many of these individuals are unknowingly
exposing themselves to risks that could compromise their insurance coverage.
In recent weeks, we have received numerous calls for new establishments,
and we have found that many people are uninformed about insurance and the
potential impact of tourist rentals on insurance coverage. That’s why INVESSA is
offering insurance solutions for many of them.
Jean-François Trudel
Vice-President, Operations
514 382-6560 1 800 561-6560
ANSWERS
TO YOUR QUESTIONS
Do I have to order a classification
sign from the CITQ?
NO... The CITQ orders the classification sign. First it
must send the operator the establishment’s classification
results, and allow 30 days for the operator to appeal
them. The sign is usually sent out about 6 to 8 weeks after
the classification results.
Remember that the sign must be conspicuously posted
at the main entrance of the establishment or, in the case
of a group of movables or immovables, in the location
used to welcome or register tourists. The sign bears the
name of the establishment, its class and its classification
rating.
Are all kinds of box springs considered
in the classification of bedrooms?
YES... provided they are commercially made, e.g.
models with springs or wooden slats designed specifically
for this use. Sheets of plywood, melamine and other
“homemade” bases are not acceptable.
The lack of a box spring or other base is penalized by
demerit points in the evaluation of the room. The experts
consulted by the CITQ point out that box springs not only
extend mattress lifetimes, but are also important for
comfort.
1010 De Sérigny Street, Suite 810, Longueuil, Quebec J4K 5G7
LEGAL DEPOSIT
450 679-3737
1 866 499-0550
Fax: 450 679-1489
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA, 2016
www.citq.info
[email protected]
Publications mail number 40026257
ISSN-1710-2405 (PRINTED)
BIBLIOTHÈQUE ET ARCHIVES NATIONALES DU QUÉBEC, 2016
ISSN-1715-2496 (ONLINE)
PLEASE NOTE: The CITQ is not responsible in any way for the information in our contributors’ advertorials and advertisements, and they are in no way to be considered endorsements. Although these articles
and advertisements are intended to provide you with useful information on operating tourist accommodation establishments, we recommend that you shop around and make the appropriate comparisons
before choosing a product or service.