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Letter to Editor

Recent comments made in a local newspaper (Surfing your way to a Whistler holiday, April 27) that unfortunately does not publish letters to the editor requires me to express my concern elsewhere.

Recent comments made in a local newspaper (Surfing your way to a Whistler holiday, April 27) that unfortunately does not publish letters to the editor requires me to express my concern elsewhere.

I refer to the unfounded and unprofessional manner in which Mr. Eric Austin, VP Sales and Marketing for Intrawest's reservation Web site (Rezrez.com), addressed the competition, specifically the nightly accommodation rental industry. Mr. Austin suggests the Allura Accommodations "direct to owner" members do not offer a cleaning service and require, in effect, departing guests to clean up after themselves in preparation for newly arriving guests.

I have been a member of Allura for over two years and never once have I requested that my guests clean up prior to departure. Needless to say, Mr. Austin owes me and more than likely many other Allura members an apology. A professional cleaning service is provided and included in my nightly rate.

I am a member of Tourism Whistler and as a result of enjoying "tourist accommodation" zoning, I am required to pay Tourism Whistler a fee in excess of $1,200 per annum, which of course raises the question: Do all of the properties that Whistler/Blackcomb reservations offers have TA nightly zoning? A recent check of the Whistler/Blackcomb reservations Web site confirmed that said reservation service is aiding and abetting in the "illegal" nightly rental of non zoned properties. Furthermore, can Mr. Austin confirm that these "illegal" listings are paying the Tourism Whistler fee?

Tom Jarvis

Whistler