Tourism Growth Program - DEC
Canada
Boost your company's growth and sustainability with targeted tourism investments
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
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- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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- Government of Canada
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grant_card_status|open
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The Program for Tourism Growth in British Columbia aims to enhance regional tourism assets and boost the province's competitiveness as a top destination for both national and international visitors. Eligible activities include improving or creating innovative tourist offerings and supporting investments in technology and sustainability. The program offers non-repayable funding of up to $250,000 for nonprofit projects and repayable, interest-free funding of up to $250,000 for enterprise projects.
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This grant program targets specific regions in Quebec, providing tailored support for tourism growth. Eligible areas are identified to ensure robust regional development.
- Economically vulnerable RCMs in Quebec.
- Montréal’s East End.
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Eligibility for the Tourism Growth Program in Quebec is defined by the type of clients that can apply and their focus on the tourism industry.
- The applicant must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), not-for-profit organization (NPO), or social economy business active in the tourism industry.
- Indigenous-owned businesses, including sole proprietors, band councils, and Nunavik municipalities, or an Indigenous tourism organization are eligible.
- The applicant's project must aim to attract visitors from outside Quebec, particularly if located in a rural or remote region.
- If located in an economically vulnerable area, such as certain parts of Montréal’s East End, the applicant may be eligible for flexible program conditions.
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Eligible clients for the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in Quebec include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations (NPOs), social economy businesses active in the tourism industry, Indigenous-owned businesses such as sole proprietors, band councils, and Nunavik municipalities, as well as Indigenous tourism organizations.
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This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Major festivals and events that already attract clients from outside Quebec.
- Businesses and organizations that do not focus mainly on the tourism industry or whose services are not mainly for public use or benefit.
- Restaurants or food services.
- Hotel chains.
- Retail sector.
- Travel agencies.
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The Tourism Growth Program supports projects that add value to the tourism industry, specifically focusing on enhancing local attractions and experiences in Quebec. Eligible projects aim to increase tourism capacity, support Indigenous tourism, and foster sustainable tourism practices.
- Enhancing the capacity of local attractions to attract visitors from outside Quebec.
- Projects that increase tourism spin-offs in communities, particularly rural areas.
- Supporting Indigenous tourism initiatives incorporating Indigenous culture and traditions.
- Initiatives that develop sustainable tourism experiences considering economic, social, and environmental impacts.
- Development of active tourism experiences such as outdoor and adventure activities.
- Extending the tourism season by promoting products or services beyond the peak period.
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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to enhancing tourism products and experiences.
- Development and enhancement of tourism products and experiences.
- Costs associated with sustainable tourism development initiatives, including economic, social, and environmental impacts.
- Expenses related to projects aimed at extending the tourism season.
- Investments in infrastructure and services to attract tourists from outside Quebec.
- Costs involved in creating or maintaining jobs within the tourism sector.
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The evaluation and selection of projects for the Tourism Growth Program in Quebec are based on their potential to enhance tourism capacity and attract visitors, specifically considering strategic impacts and stakeholder involvement.
- Impact on the development of tourism in the region.
- Readiness for implementation.
- Involvement of other stakeholders financially.
- Location in urban centres with aims to attract tourists to lesser-visited regions.
- Demonstrated potential to enhance the region's ability to attract visitors from outside Quebec.
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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria provided by the TGP in Quebec.
- Consider contacting CED for clarity if your project's qualification is uncertain.
- Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal highlighting how your project aligns with the priorities and goals of the TGP.
- Include information on how the project will increase tourism capacity and attract visitors from outside Quebec.
- Develop a detailed plan with objectives, project activities, and expected outcomes.
- Prepare a budget and timeline for the project implementation.
- Step 3: Seek Support and Partnerships
- Engage with local stakeholders and partners to gain support for your project.
- Document financial or in-kind support from other stakeholders.
- Step 4: Contact Regional Development Agency
- If your project requires support of more than $60,000, contact CED directly for guidance on application submission.
- If your project budget is $60,000 or less, visit the Société des attractions touristiques du Québec website for application details.
- Step 5: Submit Application Package
- Gather all required documentation, including the project proposal and any letters of support.
- Submit the complete application package (and any other required documentation) to the appropriate contact point based on your project's scale.
- Step 6: Await and Respond to Feedback
- Wait for confirmation of receipt and any feedback or requests for additional information from CED or the Société des attractions touristiques du Québec.
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in Quebec is part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, providing financial support to enhance local tourist attractions and increase their potential to draw visitors from outside Quebec. The program prioritizes Indigenous tourism initiatives and projects that have a significant impact on regional tourism development.
- Indigenous tourism is a priority, with 15% of funding dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives.
- Major festivals and events that already attract clients from outside Quebec are not eligible for funding.
- Projects must focus on increasing tourism spin-offs in communities, supporting the Indigenous tourism industry, fostering sustainable tourism experiences, or developing active tourism experiences.
- Financial contributions for SMEs are generally repayable while those for NPOs are generally non-repayable.
- The program will end on March 31, 2026, and supported projects must be completed by this date.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Growth Potential in Quebec's Tourism Sector
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to revitalize the tourism sector in Quebec by providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations (NPOs), and Indigenous tourism initiatives. With a total budget of $21.1 million, this initiative focuses on enhancing local attractions and experiences to draw tourists to regions across Quebec, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Empowering Economic Development Through the Tourism Growth Program
The Canadian government's commitment to boosting economic diversity and development takes a significant stride forward with the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in Quebec, offering a transformative platform for tourism enhancement. The initiative is crafted to provide $21.1 million in financial aid over three years, emphasizing support for SMEs, NPOs, and Indigenous tourism ventures. The overarching aim is to catalyze a vibrant tourism sector that attracts visitors, drives economic expansion, and fosters job creation across Quebec, especially in under-visited, rural, and remote communities.
Tourism in Quebec stands as a pivotal element of the regional economic matrix, and the TGP recognizes its potential as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and development. By investing in diverse and innovative tourism products, the program seeks to extend tourist seasons, boost local economies, and generate employment opportunities, thereby enriching communities. The focus on enhancing tourism offerings intends to establish Quebec as a year-round, must-visit destination, leveraging cultural richness and natural landscapes.
A significant aspect of the TGP is its dedicated funding for Indigenous tourism projects, underscoring a commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous heritage, culture, and businesses as integral elements of the Canadian tourism tapestry. This initiative echoes the objectives of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to nurture long-term investment and stability within the tourism industry, prioritizing sustainable practices that benefit the environment and host communities alike.
Participants in the TGP are encouraged to develop projects that reflect sustainable tourism practices, ensuring environmental, social, and economic aspects are balanced harmoniously to meet the needs of present and future generations. This aligns with the growing trend towards eco-conscious tourism that respects and showcases the unique features of Quebec's diverse environments and communities.
Projects eligible for TGP support must demonstrate added value, fostering business and economic growth by drawing increased tourist traffic and expenditures in the concerned regions. The initiative prioritizes readiness and impact, favoring projects that showcase substantial stakeholder engagement, particularly if these projects bridge urban and less trafficked rural areas. This strategic thrust aims to expand Quebec's tourism footprint while amplifying the visibility and accessibility of remote destinations.
The financial support provided under the program ranges from $60,000 to $250,000, tailored to the project's minimum implementation needs. For SMEs, such contributions are generally repayable, while for NPOs, the assistance is typically non-repayable, reflecting a commitment to bolster the nonprofit sector's role in enriching Quebec’s tourism offerings.
Beyond financial support, the TGP provides invaluable avenues for enhancing local capacities, from active tourism initiatives like hiking and skiing to sustainable development projects that focus on comprehensive, year-round tourism experiences. This multi-faceted approach ensures that all supported projects can catalyze significant economic and social changes, fostering a vibrant and dynamic tourism industry in Quebec.
The deadline for project completion is set for March 31, 2026, providing ample time for recipients to develop and implement their plans. This timeframe reflects a pragmatic approach to building capacity and ensuring projects are poised to deliver on the promise of strengthened regional tourism sectors. By strategically timing the program’s duration, the initiative aims to cultivate long-term benefits that extend beyond immediate impacts, nurturing lasting growth and resilience in the tourism landscape of Quebec.
Overall, the Tourism Growth Program holds the potential to reshape the landscape of Quebec’s tourism industry by championing progressive, inclusive economic development. Through strategic investments, the program strives to ensure that tourism not only serves as a powerful economic driver but also enriches the cultural and natural heritage of the region, fostering connections that transcend borders and seasons. By participating in this forward-thinking initiative, eligible businesses and organizations can play an instrumental role in shaping a prosperous future for Quebec’s tourism sector.