How much funding can be received?

The grant program aims to support the digital transformation of Quebec's tourism activities, attractions, and events by providing financial assistance for projects that enhance digital management, customer experience, and marketing effectiveness. A maximum funding amount of $60,000 is available for individual projects, covering eligible activities such as acquiring digital solutions and optimizing client data management.

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This grant supports digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing the customer experience and optimizing digital operations for Quebec's tourism industry. Eligible projects focus on implementing and enhancing digital solutions to drive sales and improve customer relations.

Acquisition and implementation of digital solutions related to transactions and reservations.
Enhancements to customer experience through digital platforms and virtual dissemination.
Management and optimization of customer data and sales revenue through existing digital solutions.
Improvement of connectivity between various digital solutions.
Development of new client bases through online dissemination platforms and API development.
Technologies for customer relationship management (CRM) and data strategy.
Automating processes to enhance productivity using AI and digital integration.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and activities.

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit or non-profit organization in Quebec.
The organization must hold a valid general travel agency permit issued by the Office of Consumer Protection.
The applicant must function as a tour operator that creates and operates tourism products (packages, group travel, or FIT) that generate tourist traffic in Quebec.
The organization must market a diverse offer of tourism activities in Quebec that was published and active before April 1, 2023.
The products must be sold directly to consumers or to tour operators or travel agencies.
The applicant must be active in the leisure tourism market.
Activities must align with definitions of tourism activities designed to entertain and attract tourists and excursionists.
The applicant must demonstrate the incorporation of sustainability principles in their business activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The eligible applicants for this grant are legally constituted organizations in Quebec, which can be either for-profit or non-profit entities. To be eligible, the organization must hold a valid general travel agency permit issued by the Office of Consumer Protection. Furthermore, they must operate as a tour operator by creating and managing products (such as packages, group tours, or FIT [free independent travellers]) that generate traffic in Quebec. Additionally, they must market a diverse range of Quebec-based tourist activity products that were published and active before April 1, 2023. They also need to offer these products directly to consumers or to clients of tour operators or travel agencies and be active in the leisure tourism market.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and entities that do not align with its focus on supporting the digital transformation of Quebec's tourism industry. The restrictions are applied to ensure that the resources are utilized by eligible tourism-based businesses.

Agencies that only resell packages created by other companies.
Agencies focusing exclusively on business tourism and MICE markets.
Municipal, regional, or sectoral entities.
State-owned companies or those majority-owned by such entities.
Companies protected under bankruptcy legislation.
Applicants who have previously failed to meet financial aid obligations.
Businesses without a valid operating permit.
Companies listed on the Register of non-eligible businesses for public contracts (RENA).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The program covers expenses related to the acquisition and implementation of digital solutions that enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.

Acquisition of digital solutions.
Acquisition of essential IT equipment for deploying the digital solution.
Purchase of a license or subscription up to 12 months as per the supplier's contract, invoiced and paid before August 31, 2024.
Essential adaptation of a website or app for the deployment of the digital solution.
Expenses inherent to the implementation of the overall digital solution, such as acquiring essential equipment or infrastructure.
Creation of content to support a digital solution.
Professional fees for realization and implementation.
Fees for support, diagnostics, or audits (operations, human resources, technology), 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 available to companies that are legally constituted in the specific geographical area of Quebec. The eligibility aligns with regional support to enhance the digital transformation within the tourism industry.

Companies legally constituted in the province of Quebec.

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The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant program focus on ensuring alignment with the specific objectives and standards of the program.

Integration with the strategic orientations of the applicant.
Potential for positive tourism-related impact within Quebec.
Comprehensive and realistic financial planning and project structuring.
Detailed and feasible implementation plan including timelines.
Realistic cost and operational benefit assessment post-implementation.
A minimum overall score of 60% is required for project consideration.
Priority may be given to higher-scoring projects if funding limits are exceeded.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
Download and read the "Guide du demandeur" from the official website to understand eligibility and application requirements.
Ensure your project aligns with program goals such as digital transformation and client experience enhancement.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Fill out the "Portrait de l'agence de voyages" form.
Prepare detailed documentation demonstrating project goals, expected outcomes, and sustainability integration.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Access the application form via Événements Attractions Québec (EAQ).
Provide all necessary information, including project specifics and financial plans.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the completed application form and required documents by email to numerique@eaq.quebec.
Ensure submission is completed before the specified deadline.
Step 5: Application Review
EAQ will review submitted applications for compliance with eligibility criteria.
Projects are evaluated based on their potential impact, financial viability, and alignment with program objectives.
Step 6: Await Notification
Receive notification from EAQ regarding the project's selection status.
Selected projects will proceed to the signing of a funding agreement.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant is a non-repayable contribution, meaning that recipients do not need to pay the funds back.
Recipients must provide a minimum of 25% of the project cost as a personal investment or from their partners.
All projects must be completed by August 31, 2024, with all associated work and expenses finalized by then.
Recipients are required to submit a mid-project evaluation report and a final project realization report.
Two offers must be procured for acquisitions or services over $25,000.
In case of major project modifications or significant delays, the project may be re-evaluated and potentially terminated.
Sustained demonstration of incorporating sustainable development principles in the project and organization is mandatory.

grant_single_labels|contact

numerique@eaq.quebec

Apply to this program

Embrace Digital Transformation with Quebec's Tourism Sector Grant

The Quebec Digital Transformation Support Program for tourism activities, attractions, and events aids businesses in the tourism sector to transition towards digital solutions, enhancing customer experiences and boosting operational efficiency. This grant stands as a non-repayable subsidy aimed at amplifying the digital capabilities and market competitiveness of qualifying tourism organizations within Quebec.

Comprehensive Insights into the Quebec Digital Transformation Support Program

The Quebec Digital Transformation Support Program is an initiative designed to propel the province's tourism sector into the digital age, thereby significantly enhancing visitor experiences and the operational effectiveness of tourism entities. By funding strategic digital projects, the program encourages agencies and businesses to leverage technology for improved market engagement and customer relations. This initiative is a collaboration between Events Attractions Quebec (ÉAQ), the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), and the Ministry of Tourism (MTO), representing a comprehensive effort to modernize and digitize Quebec's tourism offerings.

The program extends its support to agencies that are proactive in creating and marketing Quebec-centric tourism products. Eligible recipients include for-profit and non-profit organizations registered in Quebec that possess a valid tour operator's license issued by the Consumer Protection Office. Contrary to those solely re-selling packages or focusing on business tourism, these agencies must craft unique travel experiences and engage directly with leisure tourists. This criterion ensures that the support is diligently directed towards enhancing genuine tourism-related digital transformations.

A unique feature of this program is its financial provision, structured as a non-repayable grant with a ceiling of $60,000 per individual project and up to $150,000 for collaborative projects. The goal is to finance 75% of eligible project expenses, necessitating that the applicant covers at least 25% of the project cost. Importantly, this funding should be channelized towards substantive digital integrations — encompassing online booking systems, customer relationship management solutions, and the development of new digital products or services — to ensure a robust digital footprint in the competitive tourism market.

The program is segmented into several key phases, each strategically designed to support applicants throughout the project timeline. Starting with the project's proposal submission and evaluation, the process guides successful recipients through project execution, providing structured oversight and expected milestone reporting. This ensures the alignment of all funded projects with the broader objectives of enhancing Quebec's tourism industry through digital means.

Significantly, the program underscores sustainability, requiring applicants to demonstrate their commitment to integrating sustainable practices within their digital transformations. This involves reflecting on environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout the project lifecycle. The integration of local technological solutions and the promotion of automation processes align with this sustainability criterion, enhancing overall operational efficacy and staff well-being.

The Quebec Digital Transformation Support Program emphasizes building adaptable, future-proof tourism frameworks via technological upgrading. It seeks to bridge modern consumer expectations with cutting-edge tourism experiences, reinforcing Quebec's position as an innovative and sustainable tourism destination. Organizations embraced by this program can anticipate entering a revitalized market landscape where enhanced digital capabilities lead to greater visitor satisfaction and business longevity.

Through this program, Quebec not only aims to advance its tourism industry but also fosters a culture of technological adoption that meets the evolving demands of domestic and international tourists. The grant plays a pivotal role in preparing Quebec's tourism sector for a digitally oriented future, solidifying its destination appeal through innovative, sustainable practices.