How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-12-31T05:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1?

Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 is funded by Gouvernement du Québec, Investissement Québec (IQ)

Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1

Q: What are Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1's eligibility criterias?

Must be a legally constituted for-profit business in Quebec Must operate within the tourism sector Must demonstrate prospects for profitability

Last Update: June 5, 2025

QC, Canada

Loans to develop Quebec tourist attractions

Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $150,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 6, 2023
Closing date : December 31, 2025

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec
Investissement Québec (IQ)

Status

Open

Overview of the Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 program

Get a loan or loan guarantee between $150,000 and $5 million to cover up to 60% of project costs to boost the region's potential to attract tourists from other parts of Canada and abroad.

Financing terms and conditions

Refundable contribution available as a loan or loan guarantee.
Minimum financial assistance: $150,000; maximum: $5,000,000 per project.
Loan guarantee can cover up to 70% of the net loss.
Private funding required: at least 20% of eligible expenses (10% for Indigenous or Îles-de-la-Madeleine projects).
Government assistance limit: up to 50% of total eligible costs for for-profit companies, 80% for non-profits and cooperatives, and 90% for Indigenous, Indigenous community groups, or projects on Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Eligible projects & activities

Construction of new tourist attractions, facilities, or services.
Reconstruction or demolition and replacement of outdated tourism infrastructure.
Expansion of existing tourism sites or facilities.
Interior or exterior improvements to enhance tourist experiences.
Adaptation or conversion of infrastructure for new tourism uses.
Acquisition or replacement of equipment for tourism activities.
Purchase of an existing tourism business.
Launch of a new, original tourist experience.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 960,000

Deploying a new indigenous cultural tourism experience

$ 2,100,000

Renovating an old commercial space to develop a new interactive science museum

$ 2,280,000

Interior development of a new art gallery with contemporary exhibits

$ 1,620,000

Acquiring a local brewery to create a new brewery tour experience

$ 750,000

Reconstructing a historical museum to improve visitor experience and accessibility

$ 1,050,000

Expanding a heritage hotel to include a new wellness spa and conference center

Eligibility criteria of the Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 program

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business, non-profit organization (NPO), cooperative, or an Indigenous community or nation recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec, or a grouping of these clienteles.
The business must operate in Quebec and must present a tourism-related attraction.
The business must be listed on BonjourQuébec.com, if applicable (except for start-up projects).
If required, the business must hold or be in the process of obtaining the "Accrédité Qualité-Sécurité" seal from Aventure Écotourisme Québec, or commit to obtaining it.
The applicant must demonstrate prospects for profitability.

Who is eligible?

For-profit companies legally established in Quebec
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) established in Quebec
Cooperatives legally constituted in Quebec
Indigenous communities and nations recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec
Groups or associations of the above eligible clienteles

Who is not eligible

Tourist bed and breakfasts (gîtes touristiques).
Condo hotels (hotel condominiums).
Businesses operating fewer than four tourist residences, or projects with fewer than four tourist residences.
Projects focused on tourist residences located on the territory of the Island of Montreal and the City of Québec.
Businesses or projects primarily related to cycle paths, snowmobile trails, golf courses, marina rehabilitation, tourist information offices, retail, or restaurants.
Businesses in the gambling sector.
Projects related to the sale and consumption of alcohol or cannabis.
Projects that are already completed or underway before submitting the financial aid application.

Eligible expenses

Working capital related to the project
Purchase of equipment
Capital investments

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses operating in Quebec
Projects carried out in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Eligibility criteria of the Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant that help determine the eligibility and suitability of projects for funding. These criteria ensure projects align with the program’s objectives and demonstrate potential for positive impact on the tourism sector.

Project alignment with the program’s objectives
Potential to stimulate private investments
Support for tourism business succession
Potential for growth, development, and sustainability of the business
Impact on regional economy through increased visitors and revenue
Contribution to economic and social vitality of communities and regions
Development of a sustainable, original, and diversified tourism offering
Demonstration of profitability prospects
Obtaining or pursuing the Adventure Écotourisme Québec “Accrédité Qualité-Sécurité” seal when required

How to apply to the Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1 program

Filling out the form

Save the financial aid application form on your computer.
Fill out the form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher).

Preparation of required documents

Gather all the documents listed in the application form.

Submission of the request

Send the completed form and the required documents to the email address: IQtourisme@invest-quebec.com.

Additional information

Certain requirements, such as registration on BonjourQuébec.com and pursuing or holding the Aventure Écotourisme Québec "Accrédité Qualité-Sécurité" seal, may apply depending on the type and stage of the project.
Applicants must demonstrate profitability prospects as part of their application.
There may be other unspecified conditions that could apply based on the specifics of each project.
The application form must be downloaded and completed using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher) for proper submission.