Minister Tassi highlights new Tourism Growth Program
Press Release
From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Minister Tassi encourages tourism businesses and organizations to apply for funding that fosters growth and competitiveness in Canada’s tourism industry, and strengthens local tourism and economies
December 4, 2023 – Hamilton, Ontario
Tourism organizations show the world everything Canada has to offer. They are a vital part of Canada’s culture and economic prosperity. Communities across southern Ontario and Canada offer a variety of exciting experiences, drawing both domestic and international visitors to destinations. The tourism businesses and organizations that highlight our attractions are the key to unlocking our potential and contributing to the local economy.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) was at Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum to talk about the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario. Launched on November 20, the program will support businesses and organizations that bring visitors to our region. By developing local tourism attractions and experiences, they are positioning Canada as an all-seasons destination of choice. Applications are currently being accepted.
Over $30 million is available to businesses and organizations in southern Ontario to develop tourism attractions and experiences that will draw people to our country and communities. About 15% of the investment will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
Tourism businesses and organizations can visit the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario page to see if they are eligible and submit an application.
The Tourism Growth Program is a key component of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry. By continuing to take action to help the tourism industry grow and prosper, the Government of Canada is helping businesses and communities to create memorable experiences, grow and contribute to their local economies.
Quotes
“The profound economic impact of tourism cannot be understated. Every year, southern Ontario attracts millions of visitors to enjoy its natural beauty, vibrant events and festivals, unique rural and Indigenous experiences, and world-class destinations. Our region is home to countless attractions like the wineries in Niagara and Prince Edward County, the natural beauty of the Rideau Lakes and the Thousand Islands and, of course, the sites and scenes that our large cities, like Toronto, have to offer. The Government of Canada is committed to the success of southern Ontario’s tourism industry.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Quick facts
- The first application intake for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario is now open and closes February 29, 2024. A second application intake will open in the summer 2024.
- The Tourism Growth Program was announced in Budget 2023. Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) will deliver $108 million, over three years, to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies.
- In 2023, Ontario welcomed 8.6 million international tourists in the first seven months. Tourism spending accounts for $36 billion or 4% of the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). More than 5 million visitors visit Hamilton each year.
- Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum is a cultural heritage centre in Ancaster, Ontario with an emphasis on the collection, preservation and exhibition of local history, the promotion of fine arts and the celebration of natural heritage through beautiful landscaped gardens and walking trails.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $80 million in more than 95 projects with businesses and organizations in Hamilton, estimated to create over 700 jobs and maintain over 1,500 jobs.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $400 million in more than 1,350 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to create over 4,500 jobs and maintain over 15,400 jobs. This included nearly $140 million in tourism support through Tourism Relief Fund.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca
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