How much funding can be received?

The "Programme de soutien au virage numérique des activités, des attractions et des événements touristiques québécois" provides non-repayable grants to support the digital transformation of Quebec's tourism industry, with funding of up to CAD $60,000 for individual projects and CAD $150,000 for collective projects. Eligible activities include the acquisition and implementation of digital solutions aimed at enhancing transaction processes, customer experience, data management, and marketing efficiency.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers specific financing modalities to support the digital transformation initiatives of eligible tourism activities, attractions, and events in Québec. The modalities focus on providing substantial financial assistance while ensuring project viability and alignment with program objectives.

Non-repayable financial contribution (subsidy) for approved projects.
Maximum financial assistance of 75% of the eligible project costs.
The minimum eligible expenditure for a project is $10,000.
A maximum of $60,000 can be granted for an individual project.
For collective projects, up to $150,000 is available, with a cap of $30,000 per participating enterprise.
Financial support levels are contingent upon available resources and the number of eligible applications received.
No financial assistance will be increased to cover cost overruns of approved projects.
Financial support not utilized in part or full is non-transferable and cannot be postponed.
An initial disbursement of 25% of the approved subsidy is provided upon signing the agreement.
A second disbursement of 50% is made after mid-term reporting is successfully reviewed.
The final 25% payment is issued upon project completion and after the satisfactory evaluation of the final report.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant focuses on accelerating the digital transformation of Québec's tourism activities, attractions, and events through the acquisition and implementation of digital solutions. Eligible projects aim to enhance customer experience, optimize business operations, and improve marketing effectiveness.

Acquisition and implementation of digital solutions related to transactions and reservations.
Enhancement of customer experience through digital means.
Development of virtual dissemination methods.
Management and optimization of client data and revenue streams through digital technologies.
Adaptation, optimization, or diversification of existing digital solutions.
Improvement of interconnectivity among various digital solutions.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the organization's legal status, commercial activities, and project characteristics.

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit or non-profit organization, or a cooperative in Quebec.
Indigenous communities, organizations, and nations recognized by the National Assembly are also eligible.
Organizations must have commercial activities related to tourism, attractions, festivals, or events across Quebec.
Applicants can form a consortium for a collective project, designating a lead organization as the project promoter, which can be a municipal, regional, or sectorial entity, or a tourism enterprise.
Activities must be of a touristic nature designed to attract excursionists and tourists.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or primary activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are focused on enhancing sustainable digital transformation within tourism-related sectors.

Companies whose only activities are lodging, catering, or retail, or any combination thereof.
Municipal, regional, or sectoral entities, unless acting as promoters of collective projects directly benefiting eligible companies.
State-owned corporations or companies primarily owned by a state-owned entity.
Companies under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Charitable organizations.
Applicants who have failed to meet prior obligations under past financial aid within the last two years after being formally notified.
Companies with permit operation defaults.
Companies listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
Service companies such as aggregators, resellers, or promoters.
Chartered or regular transport companies not offering a tourism-related activity such as excursions or sightseeing.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly necessary and essential for the realization of the digital transition projects.

Acquisition of digital solutions.
Acquisition of essential computer hardware for the deployment of the digital solution.
Purchase of licenses or subscriptions for a maximum duration of 12 months as per the supplier's contract, invoiced and paid before October 31, 2024.
Essential adaptation of a website or application for the deployment of the digital solution.
Expenses inherent to the implementation of the overall digital solution, such as acquiring equipment or infrastructures essential to deployment (e.g., signage indicating the use of the solution) and content creation for digital solutions.
Fees for the realization and implementation.
Fees for accompaniment, diagnosis, or audit (operations, human resources, technologies) up to a maximum of 10% of the financial support.
Training related to the project's digital solutions, up to a maximum of 10% of the financial support.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is designated for companies operating within the tourism sector in all regions of Quebec. Eligible applicants must demonstrate commercial activities related to tourism attractions, festivals, and events occurring in Quebec.

Quebec, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that ensure projects align with the program's objectives and demonstrate feasibility and potential impact.

Does the project fit within the applicant's strategic orientations?
Does the project present significant potential for tourism impacts within Quebec?
Is there a comprehensive and realistic financial plan in place?
Are all implementation steps clearly defined according to the program's timelines?
Does the project provide a realistic assessment of costs and operational benefits post-implementation?
Integration of sustainable development principles across economic, social, and environmental aspects.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the 'Programme de soutien au virage numérique des activités, des attractions et des événements touristiques québécois':

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guide
Take note of the program's objectives and ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria.
Read through the Guide du demandeur available on the official website for detailed information.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare a comprehensive project dossier including all necessary information and documents as outlined in the guide.
Gather financial information and create a realistic budget plan for the project.
Ensure all projections and objectives are clearly defined in your proposal.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Access and fill out the application form available through Événements Attractions Québec (EAQ).
Provide all required information accurately on the form.
Step 4: Submit Application
Email the completed application form to numerique@eaq.quebec by the specified deadline.
Include all supporting documents as attachments.
Step 5: Evaluation and Selection
Wait for EAQ to conduct an evaluation of your submission based on eligibility and project viability.
The evaluation period will be followed by an announcement of selected projects.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The applicant can expect a structured process of applying which involves the submission of a project deposit file, evaluation of the project, signing a grant agreement, realization, and mid-term evaluation, and final account rendering.
The financial aid provided is non-repayable (grant).
The applicant must cover at least 25% of the total project costs from their own funds.
The total government financial aid cannot exceed 75% of the eligible project costs.
If the financial aid is not fully allocated in the current call for projects, there might be a second call for projects.
For projects involving purchases or services above CAD 25,000, an invitation for tenders must be issued, requiring at least two quotes.
The final disbursement of 25% will be made after reviewing the project realization and all required documents.
Major project modifications or significant delays must be communicated to EAQ, and amendments might be necessary.
Failure to commence the project within 90 days after signing the grant agreement could lead to a demand for reimbursement of any financial support already provided.
The applicant has the opportunity to refuse the consent for data exchange between the Ministry of the Economy, Innovation, and Energy and Revenu Québec with no impact on their application.

grant_single_labels|contact

numerique@eaq.quebec

Apply to this program

Enhance Your Tourism Business with Digital Transformation Support

This grant aims to accelerate the digital transformation of tourism-related businesses in Quebec by providing financial assistance for adopting and implementing innovative digital solutions. It seeks to significantly improve customer experiences, optimize digital management, and enhance market conversion through effective digital marketing strategies.

Unlocking the Potential of Digital Solutions for Tourism in Quebec

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, tourism businesses in Quebec have the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance their operations and customer interactions. The "Programme de soutien au virage numérique des activités, des attractions et des événements touristiques québécois" is designed to support eligible organizations by funding projects that focus on the transformational capabilities of digital technology. This grant prioritizes projects aiming for increased revenue generation through enhanced digital transactions, improved reservation systems, and sophisticated virtual experiences that capture the interests of both local and international tourists.

Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear strategy to stimulate consumer sales, either through the implementation of online ticketing systems, reservation platforms, or dynamic packaging solutions directly embedded within a business's website. Additionally, businesses aiming to personalize tourist offerings and optimize conversion rates through Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems or advanced data handling processes are highly encouraged to apply. In doing so, organizations can tailor offers more precisely according to customer preferences, thus improving user satisfaction and increasing retention rates.

The program also underscores the importance of reaching new audiences through various digital means, such as developing online content platforms, connecting with digital aggregators, and utilizing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to expand service offerings. For example, employing interactive kiosks or incorporating mixed-reality experiences can meet emerging client demands and provide novel service experiences that appeal to tech-savvy visitors. Furthermore, automating tasks and processes not only enhances operational efficiency but also allows staff to focus on delivering high-value customer experiences.

Financially, the grant is a non-repayable contribution, offering substantial financial support for projects that meet minimum cost requirements and align with strategic digital objectives. With the possibility of funding up to 75% of a project's eligible costs, capped at $60,000 for individual projects and $150,000 for collective ones, applicants must ensure at least 25% of the project funding comes from non-governmental sources. This approach ensures a committed investment from the applicants while maximizing the impact of collective public and private resources.

To qualify, projects must adhere to sustainability principles, promoting local techno-economic solutions and aligning with eco-friendly practices. The evaluation process involves a detailed assessment of the project's strategic relevance, financial structure, feasibility, and potential for sustainable growth. The support not only helps digital enhancements but encourages businesses to integrate these technologies with broader economic and environmental objectives.

Overall, this grant equips tourism businesses in Quebec with the necessary resources to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. By investing in digital tools and processes under this program, tourism operators can enhance their offerings, improve customer engagement, and pave the way for sustainable, long-term success in a dynamic global economy.