Tourism Innovation Program — Stream 3 - Networking with regional innovation organisations
QC, Canada
Quebec's tourism innovation program enhances industry productivity and sustainability
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2020
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2026
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
- MT Lab
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Tourism Innovation Program, supported by the Quebec government and MT Lab, aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness, digital transition, and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry with a focus on innovative solutions. The program is open to tourism companies, innovation-driven organizations, and economic development entities, with an anticipated conclusion by March 31, 2026.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Programme d’innovation touristique in Quebec focuses on enhancing innovation within the tourism industry through various initiatives. Eligible projects are aimed at improving productivity, embracing digital transformation, and reducing the environmental footprint of tourism activities.
- Implementation of solutions to improve productivity and efficiency in tourism enterprises.
- Development of strategies to counteract labor shortages in the tourism sector.
- Promotion and integration of digital solutions to advance the digital shift in tourism.
- Initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities.
- Projects fostering collaboration and innovation between tourism industry stakeholders and regional innovation organizations.
- Participation in certification programs for tourism innovation.
- Engagement in networking and advisory activities to promote a culture of innovation in tourism.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Programme d’innovation touristique entail that applicants must belong to specific types of organizations and align with the program's objectives.
- Applicants must be part of regional tourism associations (ATR) or sectoral tourism associations (ATS).
- Applicants can be privileged partners of the Ministry of Tourism (MTO).
- Eligible entities include businesses within the tourism industry.
- Organizations active in innovation are eligible.
- Economic development organizations can apply.
- Other organizations whose activities are deemed relevant to achieving the program's objectives are also eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The eligible clientele for this program includes tourism associations and their privileged partners with the Ministry of Tourism, tourism industry enterprises, organizations active in innovation, economic development organizations, and any other entity whose activities are deemed pertinent to achieving the program's objectives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographical areas for companies applying for this grant are not explicitly mentioned in the context provided. It is likely that the locations are linked to the general funding parameters of the Quebec government.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant might require specific criteria focusing on innovation, impact, and feasibility, though exact criteria and scores are not detailed in the provided context.
- Emphasis on innovation and originality in addressing current tourism industry challenges.
- Potential to enhance productivity, competitiveness, or efficiency.
- Feasibility of implementation and adoption of solutions.
- Alignment with the objectives of reducing environmental footprint and fostering digital transformation.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program aims to develop solutions that enhance productivity, competitiveness, or efficiency, address labor shortages, promote digital transformation, and reduce the environmental impact of tourism activities.
- There is an emphasis on building connections between the tourism sector and innovative businesses through networking activities and advisory support organized by MT Lab.
- A specific component of the program includes a certification in tourism innovation, which involves six training sessions on innovation culture, open innovation, technological roles, and support environments.
- Participants can access a virtual innovation solutions directory which provides a range of innovative solutions aligned with the tourism sector's needs.
- The program also includes workshops and industry events featuring panels and conferences on topics such as sustainable tourism and new hotel trends.
grant_single_labels|contact
Nathalie@mtlab.ca
Apply to this program
Unlocking Innovation in Quebec’s Tourism Industry
The Tourism Innovation Program by the Quebec government is designed to bolster the tourism sector by fostering innovation and addressing critical challenges such as workforce shortages and digital transformation. This initiative, in collaboration with MT Lab, offers businesses a chance to improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.
In-Depth Exploration of the Tourism Innovation Program
The Touristic Innovation Program, as announced in the 2020-2021 Quebec budget, stands as a flagship initiative to transform the tourism industry by aligning with contemporary demands for efficiency, sustainability, and technological prowess. One of the primary aims of the program is empowering tourism-related businesses to innovate by addressing the key challenges they face such as labor shortages and the imperative need for a digital shift. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the reduction of the environmental footprint of touristic activities, striving to create a more sustainable industry. It promotes not only new products and services but also advocates for the improvement of internal processes, encouraging novel business model adaptations, and exploring new marketing channels. These measures are intended to make innovation more accessible throughout the Quebec tourism industry, accelerating the realization of projects that enhance the quality of tourism offerings.The key objectives are straightforward yet impactful: improve access to innovation, facilitate the rapid implementation of transformative projects, and strengthen connections between tourism entities and innovative businesses. The MT Lab, an incubator focused on tourism, culture, and entertainment, plays a pivotal role by organizing networking events designed to foster a vibrant culture of innovation. These events serve as a confluence for stakeholders, enabling the exchange of ideas and showcasing cutting-edge trends in tourism, from sustainable practices to avant-garde developments in hospitality.An integral component of the program is the Certification in Tourism Innovation. This education pathway, spread across six sessions, familiarizes participants with concepts of innovation culture and open innovation, crucial for navigating the journey of an innovation project. The sessions delve into the strategic role that technologies and supporting environments play, thereby encouraging a holistic and collaborative approach to fostering innovation across all domains.The structure of the program also includes a curated repository of innovative solutions, which acts as a free virtual resource for Quebec's tourism industry stakeholders. This repository highlights a diverse array of innovative solutions—totaling 65—that address day-to-day challenges in areas such as human resources, sustainable development, promotion, and visitor experience.Engagement with regional innovation organizations is another essential aspect of the program. By facilitating regional networks and advisory activities through MT Lab, the program aims to propagate a culture conducive to adopting innovative solutions. Additionally, "Five to Seven" innovation networking events and industry happenings facilitate dialogue among experts and stakeholders, enhancing understanding of novel tourism concepts such as sustainable tourism and emerging hospitality trends.The program is open until March 31, 2026, inviting a wide range of eligible parties including tourism industry enterprises, regional tourism associations (ATR and ATS), and innovation active organizations, as well as economic development organizations among others. The Quebec government, through this initiative, seeks to lay a robust foundation for a future-ready tourism sector that not only adapts to external changes but also leads with foresight and resilience.
