Canada releases $70 million to support tourism sector
In an effort to encourage domestic travel and offer much-needed support to Canada’s tourism sector, the Canadian government has announced that it would be committing a total of over $70 million.
The funding includes $30 million towards domestic marketing through Destination Canada, and a little over $40 million towards destination marketing organizations (local tourism groups like Tourism Toronto) and select tourism-related projects in Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario and the West. There are also discussions to distribute funds to other regional development agencies for Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the North.
“Our tourism sector and the 1.8 million people it employs across Canada have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we’re here for them,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
“During National Tourism Week, our message to the sector and those whose livelihoods depend on it is clear: we’re working with you to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We’re working with you as our economy reopens so we can come back strong,” she said.
Destination Canada, Canada’s national marketing organization, will partner with provinces and territories to create marketing programmes that will encourage Canadians to explore local tourist attractions. Destination Canada will invest $30 million with provincial marketing organizations, which will be matched by the territories bringing the total investment to $60 million.
Southern Ontario, one of Canada’s most touristy areas, will use the funds to keep the tourist attractions resilient. The federal government will be investing more than $7.6 million to support tourism across Northern Ontario. The funding will support 36 tourism initiatives led by regional communities, businesses and organizations. The government has allotted $3.45 million to bolster recovery efforts for Western Canada’s tourism regions. Western Economic Diversification Canada and tourism organizations and businesses across Western Canada will work together to support key tourism assets.