Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1
QC, Canada
Loans to develop Quebec tourist attractions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 06, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
- Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This program provides financial support in the form of loans and loan guarantees to encourage investment in Quebec's tourism sector. The terms are structured to support diverse tourism projects while managing financial risk.
- A minimum financial contribution of $150,000 and a maximum of $5 million is available.
- Loan guarantees can cover up to 70% of net losses.
- A minimum private contribution of at least 20% of eligible expenses is required, with exceptions for Indigenous and Îles-de-la-Madeleine projects, where this is reduced to 10%.
- Financial aid can be extended for a maximum period of 20 years, with a potential capital repayment moratorium of up to 36 months.
- Government aid can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs for for-profit businesses, up to 80% for non-profit organizations and cooperatives, and up to 90% for Indigenous communities, recognized nations, or projects on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports initiatives that enhance and develop tourism attractions. Eligible projects focus on construction, equipment acquisition, and new tourist experiences.
- Construction of tourism-related infrastructures.
- Reconstruction and demolition of outdated infrastructures.
- Expansion of current tourism facilities.
- Interior or exterior development of tourism spaces.
- Adaptation or conversion of existing structures for tourism.
- Acquisition or replacement of tourism equipment.
- Acquisition of an existing tourism business.
- Deployment of new tourism experiences.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile, sector of activity, and operational conditions.
- The applicant must be an enterprise with a for-profit purpose, a non-profit organization (OBNL), or a cooperative, legally constituted in Quebec.
- The applicant can also be a community or a First Nation recognized by the National Assembly or any grouping of these clients.
- The business activity must present a tourist attraction.
- If applicable, the business must be registered on the site BonjourQuébec.com, except for start-up projects.
- The business must operate within Quebec.
- When required, the business must hold the "Accrédité Qualité-Sécurité" seal from Aventure Écotourisme Québec or be in the process of obtaining it, or commit to undertaking this process.
- The business must demonstrate prospects of profitability.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations (NPOs), cooperatives, and recognized Indigenous communities and nations legally established in Quebec. All entities must be involved in activities that present a tourist attraction and should operate within Quebec. In addition to these, projects undertaken by recognized Indigenous communities, nations, or located in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine require an equivalent to at least 10% of eligible expenses from private sources. Projects need to be registered on BonjourQuébec.com, if applicable, except for start-up projects, and demonstrate profitability prospects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on specific activities or conditions. These exclusions are designed to target funding towards projects that align with the grant's tourism-focused goals.
- Tourist homes with fewer than four residences or companies renting fewer than four tourist residences.
- Tourist residences located on the territory of the island of Montreal and the city of Quebec.
- Projects related to cycle paths, snowmobile trails, and golf courses.
- Renovation of docks and wharves.
- Tourist information offices.
- Retail trade and restaurant businesses.
- Hotel-type accommodation establishments.
- Gambling sector industries.
- Projects related to the sale and consumption of alcohol or cannabis.
- Projects completed or underway before the application submission date.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant facilitates the enhancement and diversification of Quebec's tourism sector. Eligible projects focus on infrastructure development, business acquisition, and creating unique tourist experiences.
- Construction of new tourist attractions.
- Reconstruction including the demolition of existing obsolete infrastructure.
- Expansion of existing tourist facilities.
- Interior or exterior renovations.
- Adaptation or conversion of existing structures for tourism purposes.
- Acquisition or replacement of tourism equipment.
- Acquisition of an existing tourism enterprise.
- Deployment of new tourist experiences.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located in Quebec, as specified by the funding body.
- Companies legally constituted in Quebec are eligible.
- Projects conducted in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are also eligible.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Obtain Application Form
- Contact the Service d’accueil et d’information at 1 844 474-6367 for more details.
- Download the application form for Volet 1 from the specified website.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Ensure all fields in the application form are filled accurately.
- Attach any required documents as listed in the application form.
- Save the completed form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher).
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Email the completed application form and all necessary documents to IQtourisme@invest-quebec.com.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here is additional relevant information for this grant:
- A moratorium on capital repayment can extend up to 36 months, allowing projects a buffer period before repayment commences.
- The financial intervention is subject to government aid accumulation rules, which cap aid at a percentage of the total admissible cost based on project type.
- The financial assistance can be structured as a repayable contribution, either in the form of a loan or a loan guarantee.
grant_single_labels|contact
IQtourisme@invest-quebec.com
1-844-474-6367
Apply to this program
Boosting Investment in Quebec’s Tourism Sector
This grant program aims to enhance Quebec's tourism offerings by encouraging private investments in the sector. It supports the growth and sustainability of tourism enterprises through financial assistance.
Detailed Overview of the Tourism Development Support Grant
The tourism sector is a critical component of Quebec's economy, known for its vibrant and diverse cultural landscapes and attractions. Recognizing the need to nurture and expand this vibrant sector, the "Appui au développement des attraits touristiques" grant provides a structured financial framework for enterprises aiming to innovate and sustain tourism in Quebec. The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate private investments in tourism, revitalizing the sector with fresh offerings and supporting established businesses looking to expand or modify their services.
The program is notably inclusive, welcoming applications from for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and communities officially recognized by the Quebec National Assembly. It prioritizes projects that promise robust economic and social vitality across Quebec’s regions. With amounts ranging from $150,000 to $5 million, the grant ensures substantial support for various scales of projects, enabling them to address significant components such as construction, equipment acquisition, or innovative service deployment.
One of the key attributes of this program is its focus on longevity and sustainability. The grant offers conditions that facilitate long-term project viability, such as a maximum loan period of up to 20 years and a repayment moratorium of up to 36 months, allowing funded enterprises ample time to establish and grow their ventures. Such features are particularly attractive for start-ups or businesses in transition phases, looking for a financial cushion as they strategize for stable operations and growth.
In order to enhance Quebec's tourism appeal and to ensure projects withstand the pressures of time and market dynamics, the grant stipulates that recipients must demonstrate credible profitability projections and align with applicable accreditation standards like Aventure Écotourisme Québec’s Quality-Security certification. This ensures that supported projects not only thrive financially but also uphold quality and safety standards, adding value to Quebec’s tourism landscapes.
The grant is not without its exclusions; projects related to certain hospitality infrastructures like small lodgings and urban tourism residences, as well as businesses focusing on retail and foodservice, are not eligible. Such exclusions aim to concentrate resources on projects that introduce new experiences and broaden the diversity of Quebec’s tourism offerings.
In conclusion, this grant is a cornerstone initiative for enhancing Quebec's tourism landscape. By channeling funds towards sustainable and innovative projects, it aligns with the broader goals of economic vitality and community enrichment, ensuring the tourism sector continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the province’s economy.
