HILLIER, Ont. — On Monday, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced $500 million in funding for the new Tourism Relief Fund. Canadian tourism businesses and organizations can now submit applications if they are eligible.
“Our government has been there for the tourism sector since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and today’s announcement is about adding another tool to the suite of COVID supports that will help it recover and prepare for future growth and create jobs,” says Joly. ”This is an important step in our recovery efforts to attract visitors from all over the world so they can discover our country’s extraordinary wild natural beauty, delicious food and rich cultural experiences and incredibly warm hospitality once it’s safe to do so.”
Canada’s regional-development agencies (RDAs) will deliver $485 million directly to businesses and organizations to help them pivot their operations to adhere to public-health standards while investing in products and services to promote future growth.
Specifically, the federal government is investing a minimum of $50 million of the Tourism Relief Fund in Indigenous tourism projects.
“The Indigenous tourism industry supports the overall Indigenous economy and creates jobs, supports families and allows travellers to experience the vibrant and diverse communities and cultures of Indigenous Peoples,” says Pam Damoff, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services. “The Tourism Relief Fund will provide needed support to Indigenous tourism businesses all across the country in order for the industry to turn the page from crisis to recovery and build back better.” In addition, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will deliver $15 million to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions and human resources and skills development.
