Tourism Growth Program — Quebec
QC, Canada
Support tourism SMEs, NPOs, and communities in Canada, focusing on enhancing tourism products and experiences.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to enhance tourism products and experiences in Quebec to attract visitors from outside the province, focusing on rural and remote regions. Eligible activities include increasing tourism spin-offs in communities, supporting Indigenous tourism, developing sustainable tourism experiences, and extending the tourism season. The program offers financial contributions ranging from over $60,000 to $250,000, with a portion of the funds dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program specifically targets certain geographical areas in Quebec to support the growth of tourism in economically vulnerable regions. The eligible locations focus on attracting visitors, particularly to underserved or rural communities.
- Economically vulnerable RCMs in Quebec.
- Montréal’s East End.
- Rural and remote regions in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$120,000
Development of a sustainable winter tourism trails network
$75,000
Establishment of a new rock climbing route to boost active tourism
$60,000
Creativity workshops in rural settings to attract cultural tourism
$200,000
Creation of a sustainable eco-lodge in a remote region
$70,000
Introduction of a cycling festival to draw visitors in spring
$200,000
Expansion of the Indigenous Cultural Centre to enhance tourism experiences
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Tourism Growth Program in Quebec requires applicants to meet certain criteria related to their organization type and project focus.
- Applicants must be SMEs, NPOs, social economy businesses active in the tourism industry, or Indigenous-owned businesses including sole proprietors, band councils, and Nunavik municipalities.
- Applicants may also be Indigenous tourism organizations.
- For eligibility with flexible program conditions, SMEs or NPOs must be located in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End.
- The applicant’s business or organization must primarily focus on the tourism industry and provide services for public use or benefit.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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 (including sole proprietors, band councils, and Nunavik municipalities) or Indigenous tourism organizations are also eligible. Projects from SMEs or NPOs in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may be eligible for flexible program conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward sectors primarily involved in enhancing the tourism industry.
- Major festivals and events that already attract clients from outside Quebec.
- Businesses and organizations that do not primarily focus on the tourism industry or whose services are not mainly for public use or benefit.
- Entities in the restaurant or food services sector.
- Hotel chains.
- Retail sector businesses.
- Travel agencies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Tourism Growth Program in Quebec aims to boost the tourism industry's capacity, attractiveness, and sustainability through strategic projects and activities. It prioritizes projects that enhance local attractions, particularly those supporting Indigenous tourism and extending tourism activities beyond traditional seasons.
- Projects that increase tourism spin-offs in rural and regional communities.
- Development and promotion of Indigenous tourism initiatives leveraging culture and traditions.
- Creation or enhancement of sustainable tourism experiences that consider economic, social, and environmental impacts.
- Development or enhancement of active tourism experiences such as outdoor and adventure activities.
- Projects aimed at extending tourism activity beyond the traditional peak seasons.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are regions and communities within Quebec, including rural and remote regions, particularly targeting economically vulnerable RCMs and Montréal's East End.
- Regions and communities within Quebec
- Rural and remote regions
- Economically vulnerable RCMs
- Montréal's East End
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in Quebec rely on criteria that assess the potential impact and readiness of the proposed projects in alignment with the program's strategic objectives.
- Demonstration of the project's impact on the development of tourism in the region.
- Readiness of the project to be implemented.
- Involvement of other stakeholders financially in the project.
- Location in urban tourism centres with potential to attract tourists to under-served regions and demonstrate impacts on neighbouring regions.
- Contribution to creating, enhancing, or diversifying the regional tourism offering.
- Potential to increase regional capacity to attract tourists from outside Quebec.
- Ability to create or maintain jobs.
grant_single_labels|register
To apply for the Tourism Growth Program in Quebec, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your project aligns with the objectives and eligibility criteria of the TGP.
- Verify if your project involves Indigenous-led tourism initiatives if applicable.
- Step 2: Choose the Right Contact
- If your project requires more than $60,000 and up to $250,000 in financial support, prepare to contact CED directly.
- If your project requires $60,000 or less, visit the website of the delivery partner, the Société des attractions touristiques du Québec.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Documentation
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal that includes objectives, expected impacts, and how it aligns with the TGP goals.
- Prepare all necessary documents such as cost estimates, timelines, and letters of support from stakeholders.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your application and all supporting documents to the correct contact (CED or delivery partner) based on funding needs.
- Ensure the submission is made before the project completion deadline of March 31, 2026.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation
- Wait for an acknowledgment or confirmation that your application has been received.
- Retain any confirmation correspondences for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides significant financial assistance to enhance tourism in Quebec, particularly focusing on Indigenous tourism and sustainable experiences. Eligible projects must be implemented by March 31, 2026.
- Indigenous tourism initiatives are a priority, with approximately 15% of TGP funding dedicated to them.
- Projects should increase tourism spin-offs, support Indigenous culture, foster sustainable tourism, develop active tourism experiences, or extend the tourism season.
- Additional prioritization criteria include projects with high regional tourism impact, readiness for implementation, financial involvement from other stakeholders, and significant impact on neighboring regions.
- The financial contributions range from over $60,000 to $250,000 and are generally repayable for SMEs and non-repayable for NPOs.
Apply to this program
Enhance Quebec's Tourism with the Tourism Growth Program
The Tourism Growth Program offers vital financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organizations (NPOs), particularly in rural and Indigenous communities in Quebec, to bolster tourism initiatives. With $21.1 million in funding available, this program is pivotal in expanding the reach and appeal of Quebec's tourism sector beyond its borders.
Unlocking Quebec's Tourism Potential with Targeted Support
The Tourism Growth Program under the Quebec Economic Development Program is a strategically designed initiative aimed at strengthening the tourism industry across Quebec, with a particular emphasis on attracting visitors from outside the province. By focusing on SMEs, NPOs, and Indigenous tourism ventures, the program seeks to enhance local attractions through financial support, enriching the tourism product, and delivering unique experiences that can appeal to diverse tourist interests.
With an allocation of $21.1 million in Quebec, the program prioritizes projects that can significantly impact the region's economic development by drawing attention to rural areas and supporting Indigenous tourism. This not only aids in the preservation of Indigenous culture and traditions but also contributes to the region’s economic diversification. The financial framework is structured to offer repayable contributions to SMEs while providing non-repayable contributions to NPOs, ensuring adequate resources are available to support sustainable tourism development initiatives.
Eligible projects under this grant must demonstrate the potential to enhance tourism experiences that can extend beyond traditional seasonal constraints, thereby increasing tourism traffic year-round. The emphasis is placed on developing outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and tourism products that highlight the natural and cultural wealth of Quebec, ensuring these selections align with broader sustainability goals that consider economic, social, and environmental factors.
Special provisions are also made for economically vulnerable regions, including specific RCMs and Montreal’s East End, where projects may benefit from more flexible program conditions. This strategic focus on underdeveloped areas and communities invites innovative approaches to creating tourism initiatives that can have long-term positive effects on the local economy.
The program encourages collaboration among different stakeholders, aligning community goals with economic objectives, to maximize the impact on local tourism. Proposals that showcase a readiness to proceed, already secured financial backing from additional stakeholders, and potential to drive regional tourism development will attract more favorable considerations.
Given its targeted outcomes, which include increasing the regional capacity to attract tourists and maintaining or creating jobs, the program supports projects that can demonstrate a clear potential to leave a lasting legacy in Quebec's tourism landscape. The successful completion of projects by the program's end date of March 31, 2026, will be crucial to unlocking the full economic benefits envisaged.
The Tourism Growth Program offers a robust pathway for tourism stakeholders in Quebec to not only refine and expand their offerings but also leverage federal support to drive regional development and international competitiveness. This initiative is not just about enhancing tourism infrastructure but fostering a more resilient, diverse, and sustainable tourism economy in Quebec.
