Town of Gander and Tourism Partners Announce Accommodation Tax Partnership and Infrastructure Initiative
St. John’s, NL — March 11, 2026 — The Town of Gander today announced a Tourism Accommodation Tax partnership with the local accommodation sector and introduced plans to expand event and sport tourism infrastructure at the Steele Community Centre.
The announcement was made during a media event at JAG Hotel in St. John’s, where Mayor Percy Farwell and John Steele of Steele Hotels signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a partnership to support tourism growth and event attraction.
Beginning April 1, the Town of Gander will implement a 4% Tourism Accommodation Tax on hotel and overnight accommodation stays. The tax is expected to generate up to roughly $500,000 annually.
A key priority for this reinvestment is the Regional Event and Active Living Infrastructure Plan at the Steele Community Centre.
The project will seek partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.
Phase 1 of the plan includes:
- A second NHL-regulation ice surface
- Multi-use conversion of the existing arena for flat-floor events and court sports
- Structural and audio-visual upgrades to support major events
- A commercial kitchen and hospitality space to support event hosting
“Tourism plays an important role in our economy, and this partnership ensures that tourism-generated revenue is reinvested in ways that support continued growth,” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “Gander has built a strong reputation for hospitality and event hosting, and this initiative helps us build on that momentum.”
“This collaboration is the way to grow economic and physical well-being in Gander and the surrounding region,” said John Steele of Steele Hotels.
Gander serves as a regional hub for more than 80,000 people and is supported by Gander International Airport, which connects the region to major centres across Atlantic Canada. With approximately 500 hotel rooms, the community is well positioned to host multi-day events, tournaments, and regional gatherings.
The Tourism Accommodation Tax partnership reflects a shared commitment between the Town and the local accommodation sector to strengthen Gander’s role as an event and sport tourism destination.
Supporting Quotes
“Gander is already a strong destination to meet or compete,” said Reg Wright, CEO of Gander International Airport Authority. “Initiatives like this that build convention and tournament capacity help build on that momentum, bringing more visitors, events, and travel to Central Newfoundland.”
“To see the Town of Gander and the accommodators come together on a formal signing of an MOU shows great collaboration, shared vision, and strong leadership by all parties,” said Craig Foley, CEO of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. “As one of the first municipalities to sign an MOU to guide the implementation of the tourism tax and its associated investments, it will serve as an example for other municipalities.”
“Any opportunity for the Town of Gander to capitalize on tools that strengthen sport and tourism infrastructure is a win for the community,” said Michael Rubinoff, Producer of Come From Away. “We are proud to play a role through Come From Away in contributing to tourism and economic development that helps support the vibrancy of the community.”
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Media Contact
Kayla White
Manager of Communications, Branding, and Partnership
Town of Gander
709-651-5909
kwhite@gander.ca
