Leaders of Rhode Island’s tourism industry are set to discuss how a new tax on sightseeing tours will impact their businesses, The Associated Press reports.
The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council plans to host the meeting on Wednesday morning at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center Theatre in Pawtucket. State tax officials will attend and are expected to respond to questions about the new tax.
Starting Oct. 1, Rhode Island will impose its 7 percent sales tax on tickets for sightseeing tours, including bus and boat tours. The tax is expected to generate $1.1 million annually.
Owners of tour companies say the new tax could hurt business in an already tough economy.
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed said Tuesday she would work to repeal the tax in next year’s legislative session.
