Government of Canada Tourism Stimulus Program
Government of Canada Announces Second Call for Proposals for Tourism Stimulus Program
OTTAWA, November 30, 2009 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the 2010–11 launch and official call for proposals for the Marquee Tourism Events Program, a Government of Canada initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“This initiative has already had an impact on Canada’s tourism industry,” said Minister Clement. “Since the program was launched on April 6, 2009, it has contributed to the long-term growth of the tourism industry by bringing visitors to Canada and promoting Canada throughout the world as a premiere tourist destination. Our government continues to invest in the recovery of Canada’s economy, providing the support needed to strengthen our position within the global destination marketplace.”
The Marquee Tourism Events Program is providing $100 million in funding over two years for marquee tourism events in support of the visitor economy. It has helped events across the country to sustain or increase their international reach and increase audience appeal through enhanced international marketing efforts, additional programming and new product offerings. Established marquee tourism events interested in applying for funding under the program are encouraged to submit their proposals on or before January 8, 2010.
“Festivals and events in Canada need incremental investment to expand their product offerings, improve their execution and therefore create demand for Canada by foreign visitors,” said Randy Williams, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). “TIAC identified in its 2008 Report on Canada’s Tourism Competitiveness the need for greater tourism product development, improved animation, or delivery of existing tourism experiences, and the need to create urgency in visitors minds to travel to Canada. The Marquee Tourism Events Program is an excellent response by the federal government to help meet this competitive need.”
“This type of government support has made a positive and significant difference to the hotel business across Canada,” said Tony Pollard, President, Hotel Association of Canada. “We thank the Government of Canada for making such a worthy investment in tourism.”
Tourism is an important economic driver in every region in Canada. It generated nearly $75 billion in revenues in 2008, provides over 660 000 direct tourism jobs and represents 2 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program website.
Visit the Canada’s Economic Action Plan website to find information on all of its programs.
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