VANCOUVER — The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, has launched the new Tourism Growth Program (TGP). With $108 million in federal funding, this program will invest in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small businesses and not-for-profits, helping them grow and positioning Canada as a destination of choice.
Canada’s seven regional-development agencies will deliver the program’s funding directly to businesses and other organizations over the next three years, supporting projects to help more domestic and international visitors discover all that Canada has to offer. The projects will also align with the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy in support of sustainable tourism, outdoor experiences, Indigenous tourism, seasonal expansion and tourism in rural and remote areas with the goal of diversifying regional economies and spurring economic growth. Promoting Indigenous tourism is an important part of the TGP, with 15 per cent of funds reserved for it. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy targets a 40-per-cent increase of the tourism sector’s contribution to Canada’s GDP by the end of the decade.
Prior to this launch, Minister Ferrada unveiled the launch of the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream, which will provide $10 million in direct support for Indigenous tourism operators. Additional supports for the industry include the $500 million Tourism Relief Fund established during the pandemic, increases in funding to Destination Canada, support for major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, investments in the Trans Canada Trail and partnerships with other governments and the private sector to help enhance tourism offerings and welcome more visitors.
“When it comes to tourism, Canada has what the world wants, and it’s no surprise that we’re a tourism powerhouse,” says Minister Ferrada. “As a government, we have a responsibility to help the industry grow and thrive so it can keep contributing to Canada’s prosperity. The new Tourism Growth Program will help Canadian tourism seize opportunities and create jobs, and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in communities across this land.”
