Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement in tourism

• The minimum project cost, maximum subsidy, and aid rate vary by region and project category.
• Non-repayable grants are provided.
• For construction contracts of $100,000 or more, a public call for tenders is mandatory; costs not subjected to public tender for construction projects exceeding $100,000 are not eligible.
• An organization with more than 100 employees receiving $100,000 or more must implement an equality access program compliant with the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

• The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business, non-profit organization, cooperative, municipal entity, or a recognized Indigenous community or business operating in Quebec.
• The organization must be conducting business in Quebec and comply with all relevant provincial or federal regulations.
• Tourism operators with accommodation establishments must hold the appropriate registration and respect relevant laws and regulations.
• Organizations must have met obligations from any previous grant received, if applicable.
• For nature and adventure tourism businesses, proof of compliance with the Qualité-Sécurité program (or commitment to begin the process) is required when applicable.

Who is eligible?

• For-profit organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Cooperatives
• Municipal entities
• Recognized Indigenous communities and nations, as well as Indigenous organizations and businesses

Who is not eligible

• Crown corporations as well as ministries and agencies of the Quebec and Canadian governments.
• Any applicant listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts.

Eligible expenses

• Construction, expansion, or improvement costs for tourism infrastructure, attractions, and equipment.
• Development or renewal costs for tourism products and services.
• Modernization, implantation, consolidation, or expansion expenses for tourism facilities, equipment, or services.
• Costs related to the development or improvement of routes and tourist circuits, including thematic and identity-based initiatives for the region.
• Expenses associated with improving access, intermodality, and sustainable mobility for tourists.
• Costs to increase the quality or extend the operation period of tourist accommodation, including adding new accommodation units or offering new services adapted to tourists.
• Organization and operation costs for festivals and events that generate significant tourist traffic.
• Consulting fees and costs for studies, diagnostics, workforce skills development, customer service improvement, digital needs, or the implementation of responsible and sustainable policies and practices.
• Acquisition and deployment of digital solutions related to transactions, customer experience, and data/revenue management, as well as the optimization or integration of digital tools.
• Costs related to the integration of arts into the architecture and environment of government or publicly accessible buildings and sites, when required.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec
• Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• Baie-James
• Bas-Saint-Laurent
• Cantons-de-l'Est
• Centre-du-Québec
• Charlevoix
• Chaudière-Appalaches
• Côte-Nord
• Eeyou Istchee
• Gaspésie
• Îles-de-la-Madeleine
• Lanaudière
• Laurentides
• Laval
• Mauricie
• Montérégie
• Montréal
• Nunavik
• Outaouais
• Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

The evaluation and selection of projects for the EPRTNT 2022-2025 grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives of transforming and renewing the regional tourism offer in Quebec.

• Contribution to the renewal and enhancement of the regional tourism offer.
• Capability to generate economic benefits and stimulate the local economy.
• Implementation of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
• Innovativeness and distinctiveness in developing new tourism niches.
• Secured financial support from partners for structuring regional tourism projects.
• Potential for long-term project sustainability exceeding three years.
• Comprehensive plan demonstrating capacity to generate outcomes across multiple partners.

• Costs related to the integration of arts into publicly accessible buildings or sites are considered eligible project expenses.
• Organizations benefitting from funding of $100,000 or more and employing over 100 staff must commit to an equal access program under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
• Projects involving construction or enlargement must comply with the Policy on the Integration of Arts into Architecture, and relevant documentation must be submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Communications.
• Applicants must comply with the requirements of the Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, in their business operations.