The annual celebration of Canadians welcoming visitors from near and far coming as many communities are actually hoping, if not out right explaining that they would rather folks stay away just a bit longer.
As Canadian provinces launch their Restart programs however, Tourism is seen as at least one industry that may help return communities to a more normal period and boost local economies, with a focus on local and regional tourism ahead for this summer.
On Sunday, the Federal Government, brought the seven days dedicated to the tourism sector to an end with an announcement of more funding for the Canadian tourism sector, with 3.45 million dollars now earmarked towards Western Canadian tourism initiatives.
This funding is the result of the close collaboration between Western Economic Diversification and tourism organizations and businesses across Western Canada and will be used to identify gaps and key areas needing additional support.
The funds will support keystone assets and regionally-based tourism associations that provide services to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
“The long-term prosperity of many Canadian communities depends on a thriving tourism industry. We are here to help SMEs and their communities start rebuilding the western Canadian tourism sector. To them I say: your courage and resiliency is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to work together to face the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Use the resources in place, reach out to us through Western Economic Diversification Canada. We’re here to listen and to support.” -- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
More notes on the Sunday announcement can be explored here.
Last week the British Columbia opened up Tourism week with its own announcement introducing its plans towards a 10 million dollar grant for what are known as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO's), non-profit organizations that promote tourism across the province.
The funding is designed to assist the DMO's who traditionally rely on funding through municipal and regional district taxes on hotels and accommodation.
“The tourism industry is a major economic engine and job creator for people in B.C., but the impacts of COVID 19 have left the industry struggling,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We are supporting the tourism industry today to make sure we can welcome visitors to explore Super, Natural British Columbia when it is safe to do so.” -- Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
You can learn more on the provincial program here.
Locally tourism initiatives are launched through the local offices of Tourism Prince Rupert, which has already embarked on an impressive suite of programs to help local tourism operators.
A look at some of those programs and other responses locally to the COVID-19 pandemic can be explored here.
You can learn more about Tourism in Prince Rupert and area from our archive page here.
Cross posted from the North Coast Review.
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