With tourism to this country projected to grow significantly in the coming years, the federal government has launched an investment program that will provide $108 million over the next three years to support tourism projects across the country to help meet the goal of attracting 40% more visitors by the end of the decade.
The launch of the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) on Monday comes after Canadian tourism suffered some of its worst years in history (due to the pandemic), says the government, of an industry that supports almost two million jobs and contributes $38 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2022.
Aligning with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, the new federal funding program will invest in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small businesses, and not-for-profits, helping them grow and helping position Canada as a destination of choice.
It will further promote sustainable tourism, outdoor experiences, Indigenous tourism, seasonal expansion, and tourism in rural and remote areas with the goal of diversifying regional economies and spurring economic growth.
Funding will be sent directly via Canada’s seven regional development agencies to qualifying businesses and other organizations.
Promoting Indigenous tourism is also an important part of the Tourism Growth Program, with 15% of funds reserved for it.
The Tourism Growth Program complement other federal government tourism initiatives, including last week’s launch the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream, which will provide $10 million in direct support for Indigenous tourism operators.
Additional supports for the industry include the $500 million Tourism Relief Fund established during the pandemic, increases in funding to Destination Canada, support for major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, investments in the Trans Canada Trail, and partnerships with other governments and the private sector to help enhance tourism offerings and welcome more visitors to our country.
“When it comes to tourism, Canada has what the world wants – and it’s no surprise that we’re a tourism superpower,” said Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada. “As a government, we have a responsibility to help the industry grow and thrive so it can keep contributing to Canada’s prosperity. The new Tourism Growth Program will help Canadian tourism seize opportunities and create jobs, and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in communities across this land.”
Quick facts
• In 2023, Canada welcomed 12.6 million international tourists in the first eight months, a 34% increase from the same period in 2022.1
• In 2022, the tourism industry supported 1.87 million jobs, recovering to 90% of the number of jobs seen in 2019, when the industry supported 2.07 million jobs.2
• In 2022, tourism contributed nearly $38 billion to Canada’s GDP,3 generated close to $94 billion in revenue for businesses,4 and accounted for almost 13% of service exports.
• The $108 million Tourism Growth Program was announced in Budget 2023.
• The Tourism Growth Program complements supports for the tourism industry provided through other federal, provincial, and territorial programs.