B.C.: Vancouver to charge hotel guests 2.5% tax to raise revenue for 2026 FIFA Cup

British Columbia approved a 2.5% accommodation tax for the city of Vancouver that, starting February 1, will be applicable to individuals booking a room in a Vancouver hotel, Airbnb or vacation rental by owner (VRBO).

The funds from the tax will be directed toward hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to media reports. The tax comes after an agreement between the B.C. government and Destination Vancouver as a temporary tax rate on short-term accommodations for the next seven years.

The temporarily imposed tax, known as the Major Events Municipal Regional District Tax, was proposed by the city to the B.C. government last fall to help incur the costs of planning and organizing the upcoming soccer world cup.

16 North American cities will host the soccer tournament in 2026, with Vancouver and Toronto collectively scheduled to hold 10 matches.

Back in 2010, The provincial government similarly levied the Major Events Municipal Regional District Tax to raise revenue to plan and organize the Vancouver Olympics.