Tourism Growth Program - Quebec

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in Quebec offers $21.1M over three years to support SMEs, NPOs, and Indigenous tourism initiatives in enhancing local attractions to increase visitor numbers, especially from outside Quebec. The program prioritizes sustainable tourism, active tourism experiences, and projects extending the tourism season.

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is designed to boost Canada's tourism industry by providing financial support to various stakeholders. This initiative has a dedicated budget of $21.1 million for Quebec, focusing on enhancing the capacity of local tourism attractions to draw visitors from outside the province. Here, we delve into the specific details, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and how your project can benefit from this program.

Tourism plays a crucial role in economic development and diversification in both urban and rural communities. The TGP aims to: - Create, enhance, or diversify the regional tourism offerings. - Increase the capacity of regions to attract tourists from outside Quebec. - Create or maintain jobs within the tourism sector. The TGP is in alignment with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which aims to foster long-term growth, stability, and investment in the tourism industry across Canada.

The TGP aims to support a variety of stakeholders involved in the tourism industry. Eligible clients may include: - Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs), and social economy businesses active in the tourism industry. - Indigenous-owned businesses, such as sole proprietors, band councils, and municipalities in Nunavik, or Indigenous tourism organizations. It's important to note that major festivals and events that already attract a significant number of tourists from outside Quebec are ineligible. Additionally, businesses and organizations not primarily focused on tourism or whose services are not mainly for public use or benefit typically do not qualify. This includes entities involved in restaurants or food services, hotel chains, retail, and travel agencies.

For a project to be considered eligible under the TGP, it must provide added value to the existing tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority will be given to projects that: - Increase tourism spin-offs in regions, including rural communities. - Support the Indigenous tourism industry by leveraging Indigenous culture, heritage, and traditions as primary tourist attractions. - Foster the development of sustainable tourism experiences that consider economic, social, and environmental impacts. - Develop or enhance active tourism experiences such as outdoor, nature, and adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and water sports. - Extend the tourism season by showcasing products, services, or experiences that increase tourist activities beyond the traditional peak season or throughout the year.

When selecting projects for funding, priority will be given to those that demonstrate the greatest impact on regional tourism development, are ready for implementation, and have financial support from other stakeholders. Furthermore, projects in urban tourism centers that aim to attract tourists to less-visited regions or that show direct impacts on neighboring regions will also be prioritized. These projects must clearly demonstrate their potential to increase the ability of these regions to attract tourists from outside Quebec over time.

The primary goal of the TGP is to strengthen Quebec's tourism industry. The targeted results include: - Creating, enhancing, or diversifying tourism offerings in various regions. - Increasing the capacity of regions to attract tourists from outside Quebec. - Creating or maintaining employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Financial contributions under the TGP generally range from over $60,000 to $250,000. The exact amount depends on the minimum amount required to implement the project. For SMEs, these contributions are typically repayable. For NPOs, the contributions are usually non-repayable.

Indigenous tourism is a vital aspect of Canada's overall tourism strategy and is a priority under the TGP. Approximately 15% of the TGP's budget is dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives. Projects that directly involve Indigenous communities and leverage Indigenous cultural assets as primary tourist attractions are particularly encouraged.

SMEs or NPOs located in economically vulnerable Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) or in Montreal's East End may benefit from more flexible program conditions. If your business is situated in these areas, your project might be eligible for additional support under the TGP.

If your project involves an Indigenous-led tourism initiative, you are encouraged to visit the website of the delivery partner, Tourisme Autochtone Québec. For projects requiring financial support exceeding $60,000 and up to $250,000, direct contact with the authorities managing the TGP is recommended. If your project requires a contribution of $60,000 or less, you should reach out to the Société des attractions touristiques du Québec.

The TGP will end on March 31, 2026, and all supported projects must be completed by this date. This gives potential applicants a window to plan, execute, and complete their projects within the specified timeframe.

The Tourism Growth Program represents a significant opportunity for various stakeholders in Quebec's tourism industry to enhance their offerings and attract more visitors, especially from outside the province. By aligning with the program’s objectives and prioritization criteria, eligible entities can secure the necessary funding to implement meaningful projects that drive economic development and diversification in their regions. If you have a tourism project that meets the program's criteria, it is highly encouraged to apply and take full advantage of this funding opportunity.