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Los Angeles Hotel Occupancy Tax Lawsuit Is Wrong, Says Interactive
Travel Services Association
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6,
2005--Interactive Travel Services Association (ITSA) Executive Director
Art Sackler issued the following statement today in response to the
lawsuit filed by the City Attorney of Los Angeles against online travel
companies to recover hotel occupancy taxes:
"The city attorney's lawsuit is wrong. The
claim that ITSA members do not remit collected taxes is false. The
city's hotel tax does not apply to online travel companies which are
not hotel operators and do not collect rent. These companies provide
valuable services to assist consumers with booking hotel rooms.
"The city is trying to impose a new tax on
Internet services that is adverse to consumers. Under California law,
any new tax must be approved by voter referendum. This one was not.
Adding a new consumer tax is not smart tourism policy. By increasing
the amounts consumers must pay, tourism and tax revenues will likely
decline.
"The industry believes the lawsuit is without
merit and will defend itself vigorously."
ITSA is the voice of the nation's online travel
companies and computer reservations systems.
--30--LR/da*
CONTACT: Interactive Travel Services Association
Art Sackler, 301-365-0270
[email protected]
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA TEXAS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT LEGAL/LAW TRAVEL AIRLINES
TRANSPORTATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS
SOURCE: Interactive Travel Services Association
Copyright Business Wire 2005
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