How much funding can be received?

The Programme d’innovation touristique, a partnership between the Government of Québec and MT Lab, aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry, offering a maximum funding of $150,000 for innovative solutions. Eligible activities include the development of new products or services, improvement of internal processes, and exploration of new marketing channels.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Tourism Innovation Program supports projects that foster innovation in the tourism sector by addressing identified needs and challenges. Eligible activities aim to enhance productivity, competitiveness, digital transformation, and environmental impact reduction within the industry.

Development of innovative tourism solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Projects targeting digital transformation within the tourism industry.
Initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism activities.
Solutions addressing labor shortages in the tourism sector.
Innovative projects that improve internal processes and business models.
Development of new tourism products and services.
Discovery and implementation of new marketing channels for tourism businesses.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the applicant's affiliation with specific organizations and relevance to the tourism industry.

The applicant must be an ATR (Association Touristique Régionale) or ATS (Association Touristique Sectorielle) or a privileged partner of the Ministry of Tourism (MTO).
The applicant can be a business within the tourism industry.
Organizations active in innovation are eligible.
Economic development organizations are eligible.
Any other organization whose activities are deemed relevant to achieving the program's objectives is eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The eligible clientele for the Programme d'innovation touristique includes:

Associations touristiques sectorielles (ATS) and associations touristiques régionales (ATR).
Privileged partners of the Ministry of Tourism (MTO).
Companies within the tourism industry.
Organizations active in innovation.
Economic development organizations.
Any other organization whose activities are deemed relevant to achieving the program's objectives.

grant_single_labels|criteria

For projects under this grant, evaluation and selection are based on criteria aimed at addressing predefined needs and challenges in the tourism sector.

The project must be federative, affecting more than one region, more than one business, or more than one sector.
The project must have a lead entity such as a sectorial tourism association, a regional tourism association, or an organization capable of impartially representing its members and managing the project thoroughly, from elaboration to pilot phases and execution.
The project must propose an innovative solution.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this program:

Projects can receive financial support of up to $75,000 for challenges and $150,000 for solution calls, depending on the nature of the project.
The program fosters collaboration among multiple regions, businesses, or sectors.
Projects must have a leader, such as a sectoral or regional tourism association, or an organization that can impartially represent its members and manage the project phases.
The program aims to significantly improve the accessibility of innovation in the Quebec tourism industry.
The deadline for the program is March 31, 2026.

grant_single_labels|contact

Nathalie@mtlab.ca

Apply to this program

Empowering Tourism Innovators in Quebec

The Programme d’Innovation Touristique supports companies and organizations in the Quebec tourism industry by offering financial support for projects that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and digital transformation while addressing workforce shortages and reducing environmental impacts. This initiative takes a collaborative approach in partnership with MT Lab, fostering innovative solutions in tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors.

Diving Deep into the Programme d’Innovation Touristique and Its Objectives

The Programme d’Innovation Touristique, announced in Quebec's 2020-2021 budget, is a pivotal initiative aimed at amplifying innovation within the province's tourism industry. Spearheaded by the government of Quebec in conjunction with MT Lab, the programme seeks to address industry challenges through the development and implementation of pioneering solutions. By focusing on enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and overall efficiency, this programme also seeks to mitigate the critical issue of workforce shortages that affect many tourism operators.

Furthermore, a major priority of the programme is advocating for digital transformation in tourism businesses, enabling them to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. It also intends to diminish the environmental footprint of tourism activities, thus contributing to sustainable travel practices which are increasingly demanded by global tourists.

The program offers vital financial support, with calls for proposals targeting innovative businesses to develop and pilot new solutions. Projects can procure financial backing of up to $75,000 for challenges and up to $150,000 for solution-oriented initiatives. These projects must fulfill core criteria, including having a profound regional impact, being spearheaded by a sectoral or regional tourism association capable of impartial project management, and providing genuinely innovative solutions.

Tailored for a wide range of beneficiaries—such as Regional Tourist Associations (ATR), Sectoral Tourist Associations (ATS), tourism enterprises, economic development organizations, and other relevant entities—the program seeks to drive collaboration across sectors. With the program running until March 31, 2026, it provides a comprehensive timeline for creating impactful changes in the tourism industry.

This initiative is not merely about distributing grants; it is about building a robust framework for innovation to flourish within Quebec's tourism landscape. In realizing its goals, it not only bolsters individual businesses but also enhances the collective competitiveness of Quebec’s tourism sector on a global scale. A cohesive network among industries promotes sharing of best practices and innovative approaches which are crucial for long-term success.

The dynamics of the Programme d’Innovation Touristique reflect Quebec’s commitment to nurturing sectors with high developmental potential. By emphasizing sustainability, digital adoption, and cross-industry collaboration, this program promises to equip the tourism sector with the tools necessary to face contemporary challenges.

Moreover, by fostering innovation, the program assists in laying down the groundwork for future tourism models that are resilient, adaptive, and ready to meet new market demands. This strategic initiative demonstrates how regional efforts can align with global tourism trends, ensuring Quebec's competitive position in the international market.

The comprehensive support and strategic vision of the Programme d’Innovation Touristique underscore its critical role in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for Quebec’s tourism industry. By participating in this program, stakeholders are not only contributing to their economic success but are also playing a vital role in the province's transition towards a more dynamic and resilient tourism economy.