CED is accepting funding applications under the Tourism Growth Program.
Gatineau – Tourism is essential to the Quebec and Canadian economy and its long-term prosperity. It helps diversify regional economies and generate significant economic spin-offs across the country, including in Indigenous communities. That is why the Government of Canada has developed the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a temporary national program delivered in Quebec by CED.
The Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, today announced that Quebec organizations are invited to submit their funding applications under the TGP. Thanks to the TGP, local businesses and tourism organizations across the province will benefit from funding to enhance the tourism products and experiences they offer in order to attract more visitors to the regions. In addition, the TGP, through investments supported by CED, will foster sustainable and outdoor tourism, as well as Indigenous tourism. In time, the TGP aims to increase the economic vitality of our communities through tourism.
Working with the industry to better target needs
CED will provide direct support to applicants who submit a project requiring financial assistance over $60,000 and up to $250,000, through its regional business offices. In addition, to facilitate the implementation of the TGP, CED will work with two organizations that already have a strong presence in the tourism industry so that applicants can continue to benefit from guidance adapted to help them develop their project and submit their application. These two organizations are:
- The Société des attractions touristiques du Québec (SATQ) which will deliver the TGP for projects that require a contribution of $60,000 or less; and
- Indigenous Tourism Quebec (ITQ) which will deliver the TGP for all Indigenous-led tourism initiatives, with 15% of the total TGP budget dedicated to these initiatives.
With the assistance of these select partners, combined with direct delivery by CED, the TGP will be implemented in light of the needs of Quebec’s different communities and the particular characteristics of each of our regions. CED has a strong collaborative relationship with the Government of Quebec and is working closely with community players, including regional and sectoral tourism associations (ATRs and ATSs) so that its support complements existing measures and meets expressed needs.
SMEs and NPOs in Quebec’s tourism sector are invited to consult the eligibility criteria on the Tourism Growth Program page on CED’s website.
To learn about the application process through the Société des attractions touristiques du Québec, visit the website of Événements Attractions Québec, which oversees the SATQ. To learn about the application process through Indigenous Tourism Quebec, visit the organization’s website. At any time, applicants can contact CED for more information on the TGP.
“Quebec is a leader in Canada’s tourism industry. As a government, we are committed to helping the industry grow and prosper so it can contribute to regional economic development across the province. The new Tourism Growth Program will help our tourism sector seize opportunities and create jobs, and I am looking forward to seeing the difference it will make in our communities.” – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED