The application period for the Tourism Relief Fund has re-opened to support events and activities happening between November 2022 and March 2023.
FedDev Ontario is accepting applications for the Tourism Relief Fund in southern Ontario from November 2, 2022, to November 28, 2022. Tourism operators with events and activities during this time are eligible to apply.
Important program update
- Funding is available under the Tourism Relief Fund in southern Ontario for tourism operators to promote, present and/or expand activities that attract tourists and visitors to events happening between November 2022 and March 2023.
- New Tourism Relief Fund applicants are welcome to apply for this funding. Existing recipients must demonstrate how their winter season proposal is distinct from their current or completed project.
- In all cases, total funding (including FedDev Ontario support or funding provided by a Regional Tourism Organization supported by FedDev Ontario) cannot exceed the maximum amount available to a business or organization under the program (see details below).
- If approved, funding will be reimbursed based on costs incurred and claimed between November 2022 and March 31, 2023.
Indigenous applicants
Indigenous tourism projects are important to Canada's economic recovery efforts and a priority under the Tourism Relief Fund. Under the fund, a minimum of $50 million will specifically support Indigenous tourism initiatives. Contributions to Indigenous entities (not generating profits) will normally be non-repayable.
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants include tourism entities that cater mainly to visitors, such as:
- businesses
- not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations
- band councils or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives
To be considered eligible for this fund, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- be a key supplier or operator in the visitor experience
- be part of a defined tourism cluster or a tourism dependent community, including supporting downtown cores or
- provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination
Eligible activities
Tourism Relief Fund projects focus on:
- Product development: for example, projects that enhance tourism experiences; help tourism businesses adapt to the "new normal," to modernize their offerings; and, encourage the adoption of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices.
- Destination development: for example, projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium- to long-term investments, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
For more details on the eligibility criteria, please consult the Application guide.