Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
NS, Canada
The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support the development of local tourism products and experiences in Canada.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over three years to support the development of local tourism products and experiences across Canada, positioning it as a year-round destination for travelers. Eligible applicants, including SMEs, Indigenous businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipal governments, can receive funding for activities that enhance tourism offerings, promote sustainability, extend the tourism season, and drive visitation from urban to rural areas.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several eligible projects and activities for this grant that focus on business and economic growth in the tourism sector.
- Improving/creating innovative tourism offerings or products
- Investing in digitization or technology integration to enhance productivity, sustainability, efficiency, and/or competitiveness
- Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to expand tourism activity outside the traditional high season or to extend services year-round
- Enhancing accessibility and creating a welcoming environment for diverse clientele
- Developing/implementing sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis
- Improving local assets and facilities, and planning for key active outdoor tourism experiences
- Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism
- Supporting the delivery of festivals and events that attract tourists to a destination
- Developing/increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$160,000
Calgary
Organize a cultural festival to promote local arts
$176,000
Tofino
Develop an off-season wellness retreat
$200,000
Halifax
Develop a year-round adventure tourism experience
$144,000
Banff
Create a sustainable tourism action plan for Banff
$240,000
Whistler
Enhance accessible tourism facilities at Whistler resorts
$120,000
Montreal
Implement digital ticketing systems for festivals
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Tourism Growth Program is designed to support a variety of applicants involved in the tourism industry in Atlantic Canada to promote business and economic growth. Eligible applicants and activities include:
- Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
- Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietorships) or Indigenous tourism organizations
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs), including tourism associations and organizations, and post-secondary institutions
- Governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, the grant specifies eligible types of companies for the Tourism Growth Program. Eligible applicants include various entities operating in the tourism industry.
- Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
- Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietorships) or Indigenous tourism organizations
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs), including tourism associations and organizations, and post-secondary institutions
- Governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant focus on activities that add value to the existing tourism industry and promote economic growth.
- Improving or creating innovative tourism offerings or products
- Investing in digitization or technology integration
- Developing and delivering new products, services, or experiences to extend tourism activity year-round
- Enhancing accessibility for diverse clientele
- Developing and implementing sustainable tourism plans
- Improving local assets and planning for active outdoor tourism experiences
- Facilitating the growth of off-season tourism
- Supporting the delivery of festivals and events that attract tourists
- Increasing capacity for inclusive tourism experiences
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Tourism Growth Program grant are the regions within Atlantic Canada, as well as other areas across Canada for Indigenous tourism initiatives.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Other areas across Canada for Indigenous-led tourism initiatives
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Tourism Growth Program grant.
- Increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban centers to rural areas
- Support the Indigenous tourism industry
- Support economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability
- Support active outdoor experiences
- Extend the tourism season by promoting and/or developing products, services or experiences aimed at increasing tourism activity outside the traditional high season or extending services year-round
- Complement supports provided through provincial/territorial programs
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact ACOA Business Information Services (BIS) at 1-888-576-4444 to determine if the Tourism Growth Program fits your needs.
- Step 2: Complete the relevant application form provided by BIS agents.
- Step 3: Submit your project proposal through the application form or get assistance from BIS agents to find other available solutions.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant focuses heavily on enhancing local tourism products and experiences by funding various activities and initiatives. Both repayable and non-repayable contributions are available depending on the type of applicant.
- Support efforts to diversify regional economies through tourism investments.
- Approximately 15% of the funding is allocated to Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises' contributions are normally repayable, while non-profit organizations' contributions are typically non-repayable.
- Aiming to extend the tourism season outside of traditional periods.
- Promote sustainability in economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Overview of the Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to bolster the tourism industry in Atlantic Canada by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Indigenous businesses, and non-profit organizations with funding to develop year-round tourism products and experiences. This initiative is part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, providing $108 million over three years to enhance Canada’s appeal as a global all-seasons destination.
Understanding the Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
Tourism is a significant economic driver and a cornerstone of long-term prosperity, particularly in regions like Atlantic Canada. Responding to this critical role, the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) has been designed to support the diversification and enhancement of the region’s tourism assets. Central to this initiative is the belief that both urban and rural communities can reap substantial economic benefits from an invigorated tourism sector.
The TGP offers a structured funding mechanism aimed at Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, SMEs, and non-profit organizations operating within the tourism space. This support is specifically granted to assist in the development of local tourism products, experiences, and services that establish Canada as a top-of-the-mind destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Financial Considerations
The TGP is set to disperse a total of $108 million over three years, with a pledge of $10.6 million specifically earmarked for Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry. This allocation will stimulate economic growth, foster job creation, and encourage sustainable tourism practices throughout the region. Notably, the program's financial assistance structure distinguishes between SMEs, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous applicants with tailored financial mechanisms:
- For SMEs: Contributions are typically repayable, encouraging accountability and the prudent use of funds.
- For Non-Profit Organizations: Contributions are generally non-repayable, acknowledging the community-oriented goals these entities usually pursue.
- For Indigenous Applicants: Recognizing the vital role of Indigenous tourism, approximately 15% of the total TGP budget is allocated to Indigenous-led initiatives across Canada, often featuring flexible funding arrangements.
Eligibility Criteria
The TGP is inclusive, welcoming applications from a diverse array of entities. Eligible applicants encompass:
- Incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in the tourism industry
- Indigenous-owned businesses, including Indigenous sole proprietorships
- Indigenous tourism organizations
- Non-profit organizations, such as tourism associations and post-secondary institutions
- Municipal, provincial, and territorial governments, along with related entities
This broad eligibility criterion ensures a wide array of stakeholders can access the program, fostering a comprehensive transformation of the region’s tourism landscape.
Priority Project Criteria
Not all projects are created equal, and the TGP prioritizes initiatives that:
- Boost tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban centers to rural areas, ensuring an even distribution of tourism-related economic benefits.
- Support Indigenous tourism industry development, recognizing and nurturing the unique cultural and economic contributions of Indigenous tourism operators.
- Promote economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability, aligning tourism development with broader societal goals.
- Encourage active outdoor experiences, leveraging the region’s natural beauty and fostering physically engaging tourism activities.
- Extend the tourism season by developing products, services, or experiences aimed at increasing tourism activities beyond the traditional high season or ensuring year-round operation.
These priorities align with the overarching objectives of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, providing a roadmap for sustainable and impactful tourism development.
Types of Eligible Projects
The TGP supports a variety of projects that add value to the tourism sector. For SMEs, potential projects might include:
- Innovative tourism offerings or products that enhance the visitor experience.
- Technological integration to boost productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
- New products, services, or experiences that increase off-season tourism activity or enable year-round service provision.
- Accessibility improvements to create more inclusive tourism environments.
For non-profit tourism organizations, eligible projects may involve:
- The development and implementation of sustainable tourism plans based on thorough research and market analysis.
- Enhancements to local assets and facilities to support key active outdoor tourism experiences.
- Promotion of tourism products and experiences outside the traditional high season or expansion of seasonal offerings to year-round services.
- Support for festivals and events that attract tourists to various destinations.
- Capacity-building initiatives to enable tourism businesses to provide more inclusive experiences.
These activities not only aim to improve the visitor experience but also enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the tourism industry in Atlantic Canada.
Application Process
Interested parties must go through a structured application process to determine the suitability of their project for TGP funding. The first step involves contacting ACOA Business Information Services (BIS) at 1-888-576-4444. Here, bilingual agents are available to provide guidance on submitting your project and offer insights into other potential solutions.
Alternatively, applicants can reach out via email:
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Outside Atlantic Canada
It's essential to note that the offices are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic Time), ensuring accessibility during regular business hours.
Conclusion
The Tourism Growth Program is a pivotal initiative in Atlantic Canada, designed to enhance the region's tourism landscape and foster long-term economic growth. Through substantial financial support, eligibility flexibility, and a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the TGP offers a robust framework for the development of innovative tourism projects. By driving visitation to both urban and rural areas, supporting Indigenous tourism, and extending the tourism season, the TGP aims to position Canada as an all-seasons destination of choice for travelers the world over.
Whether you are an SME looking to innovate, an Indigenous business aiming to expand, or a non-profit organization seeking to enhance local tourism infrastructure, the TGP provides the resources and support needed to succeed. Engage with the TGP today and contribute to building a vibrant, sustainable tourism industry in Atlantic Canada.