The City of Dryden is planning to set up its own tourism promotion corporation.

The city is planning to use revenue from the Municipal Accommodation Tax to help establish it.

CAO of the city Roger Nesbitt says right now they a funneling about half of MAT tax to the Dryden Chamber of Commerce.

“After significant consideration, municipal staff recommend to council terminating the agreement with the Dryden District Chamber of Commerce and forming a municipally-led non-profit corporation to oversee tourism promotion,” Nesbitt explained to council this week at an open meeting.

Nesbitt adds the new entity would allow the municipality to direct 50% of the MAT revenue to the corporation for the purpose of tourism promotion.

“Staff feels strongly that by taking these actions, a level of higher focus on tourism development can be achieved, coupled with a strategic and proactive approach to tourism in our community.”

The MAT tax is expected to bring in about $540,000 to the city this year and $490,000 last year.

In the meantime, the City of Dryden is trying to mend some fences.

It has sent out a release thanking residents who have been involved in the Dryden Trailblazer Tourism Association.

The organization will be concluding its operations under the Dryden District Chamber of Commerce.

That’s due to the city has decided to set up its own non-profit corporation to handle tourism promotion.

The city has six months to terminate its agreement for tourism promotion with the Chamber of Commerce.