Fonds de développement des destinations touristiques communautaires

The Community Tourism Destination Development Fund annually allocates $1 million to promote sustainable tourism development through capital and non-capital projects in Yukon. Eligible applicants, including businesses, municipalities, First Nations governments, and not-for-profit organizations, can receive funding for initiatives that enhance tourism services and infrastructure.

The Community Tourism Destination Development Fund is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering sustainable tourism growth within Yukon communities. With an annual budget of $1 million dedicated to both capital and non-capital projects, this fund seeks to elevate tourism-related services and infrastructure, creating tangible benefits for the region’s economy and social fabric. The fund is open to a diverse group of applicants including Yukon-based businesses, First Nations governments and development entities, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of projects, each contributing uniquely to the tourism landscape, receive the necessary financial support. To be eligible for the fund, projects must either improve existing tourism services or enhance tourism infrastructure. This can include a variety of initiatives, such as umbrella projects that are developed in partnership with other eligible entities, focusing on creating greater community impacts than standalone efforts. Facilitating destination development can also be a key component, alongside capital projects that aim at market readiness, increase the capacity for visitor experiences, or enhance the quality and variety of offerings within a community or region. This comprehensive approach ensures that any improvements will encourage robust tourism activities, and in turn, economic growth. One of the highlights of the fund is its structured funding tiers. Applicants can apply for Tier 1 if their project budget is up to $100,000, while Tier 2 is applicable for projects ranging from $100,001 to $500,000. The fund can cover up to 75% of total project costs, with a cap of 50% on eligible capital expenditures, up to a maximum of $375,000. The final amount allocated depends on the applicant’s other sources of government funding, ensuring a fair and strategic distribution of resources that bolster substantial, impactful projects. The application process for the fund is guided by several crucial considerations. Applicants are assessed based on the relative community impact of their projects, the readiness and ability of the project to contribute to destination development, its long-term sustainable benefits, and the innovative approaches employed in partnership and community building. This evaluative framework ensures that funded projects not only meet immediate development goals but also contribute to the enduring evolution of Yukon as a dynamic tourist destination. Timing plays a crucial role in the application process, with deadlines clearly outlined to ensure efficient processing. For those applying for Tier 2 funding, the deadline is November 15, while Tier 1 applications must be submitted by January 15. The program strongly recommends that potential applicants engage with the program administrator prior to submitting their applications. This dialogue can provide invaluable insights and guidance, increasing the chances of a successful application. The fund's commitment to quick processing times – within 30 business days for Tier 1 applications and 45 days for Tier 2 – reflects its dedication to getting projects off the ground promptly. Moreover, ongoing project feasibility is a critical aspect of the fund, with leasehold improvements supported as long as a minimum 5-year lease agreement is in place. This stipulation is designed to foster stable, long-term investments into the visitor economy, thereby ensuring projects are not only viable but also sustainable over extended periods, benefiting both the community and its visitors. Overall, the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund serves as a catalyst for enriching the tourism landscape of Yukon. By providing financial assistance and fostering innovation in tourism projects, it helps build a thriving, sustainable economy that respects and enhances the region’s natural and cultural heritage. For anyone involved or interested in contributing to Yukon's tourism sector, understanding and leveraging this fund could be instrumental in achieving successful, influential outcomes that drive both local and territorial tourism forward.