Standardizing MAT collection with KAP
Kingston Accommodation Partners (KAP) needed a better way to collect and report the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). Something easy that worked for accommodation providers and municipal administrators alike. We worked closely with their team to design a custom digital tool that simplifies the process, saves time, and can scale across markets.
Client
Kingston Accommodation Partners
Sector
Tourism
research & discovery
The ins and outs of MAT
MAT is a key source of funding for tourism development, contributing to events, experiences, even infrastructure improvements. But compliance and collection is complicated. Our research uncovered issues with data consistency, time-consuming admin, and poor access to payment and reporting cycles. And no existing tool met KAP’s needs.
Inconsistent process
There wasn’t a standardized way for accommodation providers to track and submit MAT, while existing tools can’t handle multi-market use or future growth.
Barriers for small providers
For B&Bs, short-term rentals, and other small operators, the process was confusing and difficult to comply with, putting strain on local partnerships.
Manual overload
Administrators spent hours reconciling incomplete submissions, filling out spreadsheets manually, and tracking down missing information, taking time from higher-value work.
solution
A simple solution for
providers and municipalities
With usability and scalability in mind, we built an online tool that streamlines MAT reporting, tracks payments, and makes reconciliation simple. The tool allows providers to log in and submit directly, while municipalities can pull automated reports, issue receipts, and manage records in one secure, user-friendly platform.
tool
Tailored to the industry
We built a custom web app with distinct admin and accommodation provider portals to match KAP’s unique operational needs within the industry.
Smart and secure
The tool automates receipts and reporting, handles data securely, offers real-time tracking, and eliminates hours of manual admin work.
Simple by design
With a clean, mobile-friendly UX, the interface was built to be easy to use, especially for small business owners with limited time or tech experience.
Built to scale
The tool supports multi-market functionality, creating a clear path for licensing in new jurisdictions, new clients, and long-term growth.
productize
On the horizon for tourism and hospitality
The MAT Tool not only improves compliance and cuts admin time, but it also positions KAP as a national leader in MAT reporting. And we built the tool to be licensed and adapted by other municipalities and operators by leading end-to-end development—from research and strategy to UX and UI, from first test to ongoing support.
