Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement in tourism
At a glance
- From 25,000$ to 80,000$
- Open Date : May 07, 2024
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
- Other services (except public administration)
- Ministry of Tourism and Québec
Overview
Eligibility criteria
1. Applicant eligibility
- Tourism businesses and organizations located in all administrative regions of Quebec are eligible to apply.
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs) must be registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register.
- Tourism businesses must have been in operation for at least two years and have a viable business plan.
2. Project eligibility
- Projects must contribute to the development of an attractive, distinctive and innovative tourism offering.
- Projects must meet the quality and sustainability standards of the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec.
- Projects must generate positive economic and social spinoffs for the region.
3. Categories of eligible projects
- Attractions, activities and facilities: construction, expansion or improvement of tourism infrastructure, acquisition of specialized equipment, development of new innovative tourism products or services, site development and signage, marketing and promotion.
- Structuring the tourism offering: studies and analyses, development of development and marketing plans, implementation of collaboration and networking projects, collective promotion and marketing tools.
- Lodging: construction, renovation or expansion of lodging establishments, acquisition of buildings for tourist accommodation, improving the quality of lodging establishments, development of new lodging concepts, marketing and promotion.
- Festivals and events: expenses related to the production and staging of the event, marketing and promotional expenses, expenses related to welcoming participants.
- Studies and consulting services: fees for specialized firms or consultants, travel expenses, overheads, salaries and benefits for human resources specifically related to the applicant's project.
- Digital business development: design and development of websites and mobile applications, acquisition of licenses and software, digital marketing, staff training.
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and that other projects may be eligible depending on their specific features.
Who is eligible
1. Tourism businesses
This includes for-profit organizations (OBL), non-profit organizations (OBNL) and cooperatives operating in the tourism industry in Quebec.
Businesses must be legally constituted under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada and have commercial activities in Quebec.
They must have a viable business plan and demonstrate relevant experience in the tourism industry.
2. Tourism organizations
Sector-based tourism associations (ATS) and regional tourism associations (ATR) may submit applications for projects involving studies, consulting services and the structuring of regional tourism offerings.
ATRs must have financial partners for each project they submit.
3. Municipal entities
Municipalities can apply for projects related to the development and enhancement of their tourism offering.
4. Aboriginal communities and nations
Aboriginal communities and nations recognized by the Quebec National Assembly, as well as their businesses and organizations, are eligible for the grant.
5. Groups
Groups of the above-mentioned clienteles may also submit applications, provided they have an adequate governance structure and demonstrate the complementarity of the proposed projects.
It is important to note that each eligible category may be subject to additional requirements.
Who is not eligible
- Crown corporations, departments and agencies of the Quebec or Canadian governments
- Organizations listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts
- Organizations that do not comply with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française
- Individuals
- Projects not related to the development of Quebec's tourism offering
- Projects that do not meet the quality and sustainability standards of the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec
- Projects that do not generate positive economic and social spinoffs for the region
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and other exceptions may apply.
Eligible expenses
1. Attractions, activities and facilities
- Construction, expansion or improvement of tourism infrastructure (trails, lookouts, interpretation centers, etc.)
- Consolidation, implementation, expansion or modernization of a tourist attraction, facility, activity or service (B&Bs, restaurants, entertainment venues, etc.).
- Development of innovative new tourism products or services (immersive experiences, theme packages, etc.)
- Acquisition of movable property or specialized equipment (electric vehicles, virtual reality equipment, etc.).
2. Structuring the tourism offering
- Studies and analyses (portrait of tourism offering, market analysis, etc.)
- Development and marketing plans (marketing strategies, action plans, etc.)
- Implementation of collaboration and networking projects (partnerships between tourism businesses, tourist circuits, etc.)
- Collective promotion and marketing tools (regional websites, joint marketing campaigns, etc.).
3. Lodging
- Construction, renovation or expansion of lodging establishments (hotels, motels, B&Bs, etc.)
- Acquisition of tourist accommodation properties
- Improving the quality of lodging establishments (upgrading facilities, eco-certification, etc.)
- Development of new accommodation concepts (unusual accommodation, ecotourism, etc.)
4. Festivals and events
- Creation or development of tourism festivals and events
- Organization of themed events (conventions, gastronomic festivals, etc.)
- Hosting groups and conventions
- Promotion and marketing of festivals and events
5. Studies and consulting services
- Feasibility studies, market studies and business plans
- Consulting services in management, marketing and tourism product development
- Support for the implementation of tourism projects
- Training and development of tourism human resources
6. Digital business development
- Creation or redesign of tourism websites
- Implementation of e-commerce solutions
- Implementation of customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Development of mobile applications for tourists
- Use of social media for tourism promotion
Eligible geographic areas
The Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme (EPRNT) is open to tourism businesses and organizations located in all of Quebec's administrative regions.
However, it is important to note that the program is administered by the regional tourism associations (ATR), and that eligibility criteria may vary slightly from one region to another.
Evaluation & selection criteria
1. Project quality
- Project originality and innovation
- Economic and financial viability of the project
- Quality of application and studies
- Experience and skills of the project team
2. Contribution to achieving program objectives
- Contribution to the development of an attractive, distinctive and innovative tourism offering
- Stimulate diversification and structuring of the regional tourism offering
- Promote the adoption of responsible and sustainable practices by tourism businesses
- Integrate innovative solutions that respect the environment.
3. Economic and social benefits
- Job creation and maintenance
- Increased private investment in the tourism industry
- Contribution to the economic vitality of Quebec's regions
- Enhanced quality of the tourism experience
- Position Québec as an innovative and sustainable tourist destination
In addition to these general criteria, specific criteria may apply to certain categories of projects.
For example, lodging projects will have to meet quality and sustainability standards, while festivals and events projects will have to demonstrate their ability to attract visitors and generate significant economic spin-offs.
How to apply
1. Check eligibility
- Make sure your project meets the program's eligibility criteria by consulting the promoter's guide available on the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec website, or by contacting your regional tourism association (ATR).
2. Preparing your application file
- The application file must include several documents, such as the completed application form, a detailed description of the project, feasibility studies, financial plans and a detailed budget, as well as letters of support from project partners.
3. Submitting your application
- The application period is generally open from April to May each year. You must submit your application online via the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec web portal.
4. Application evaluation
- Your application will be evaluated by an impartial selection committee made up of representatives from the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec and regional tourism associations (ATR).
5. Decision and grant payment
- The selection committee will inform you of its decision in writing. If your application is accepted, you will be required to sign a financial assistance agreement with the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec before receiving the grant.
