TORONTO — The Ontario government has confirmed that the $100-million Ontario Tourism-Recovery Program is launching this month to support tourism businesses in the attraction, accommodation and leisure-travel sectors and help drive employment and visitors to its regions. Eligible businesses include hotels, inns, resorts, airlines, Indigenous attractions, distilleries, cinemas and more.
“The last 18 months of the pandemic have been the most challenging Ontario’s tourism industry has ever faced. Previously an economic powerhouse for the province, tourism has been hit by the triple threat that COVID-19 represents – a health, economic and social crisis,” says Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “This critical funding will help support regionally significant businesses, while protecting jobs in communities that reply on the tourism industry.”
The Tourism Recovery Program will support businesses that have experienced a loss of at least 50 per cent of eligible revenue in 2020-21 compared to 2019. Recipients will receive up to 20 per cent of 2020-21 qualifying revenue losses, which will be capped at $1 million. Expenses could include staff salaries and maintenance, health-and-safety measures, product and experience development or marketing.
Applications for this program will open on Oct. 13, 2021.
