OTTAWA — The Government of Canada is set to invest $46-million to support the tourism sectors in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The new commitments complement the funding each province is receiving from Destination Canada to implement targeted marketing programs and encourage residents to discover their own backyards.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced $16 million in federal investments to support the tourism industry across Atlantic Canada, as well as $30 million for Quebec.
“The tourism sector, and the 1.8-million people it employs across Canada, has been hit hard by the slowdown caused by COVID-19, and we’re here for you. We’re working with businesses so they are ready to re-open and to help Canadian tourism to flourish once again,” says Joly.
In Atlantic Canada, the funding will be delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and will support 79 tourism initiatives led by communities, businesses and organizations across the region. The targeted investment includes more than $2.4 million to destination-development and marketing organizations, which will support 10 projects to help attract visitors to Atlantic Canada.
In Quebec, the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec will receive $13.5 million in assistance to provide financial support to the province’s tourism SMEs, enabling them to implement adaptation measures in line with new health standards and targeted promotional campaigns. Through this project, the Alliance will grant non-repayable contributions to tourism SMEs mainly in the accommodation, attractions and tourism services sectors. This support will enable tourism SMEs to fund leasehold improvements to their infrastructure and the purchase of protective equipment to meet public health rules.
New financial measures and assistance totalling more than $16.5 million will also help businesses and attractions to improve their facilities and develop their tourism experience.
