The Government of Canada has launched a two-year national initiative to help Canada's tourism sector innovate and grow. Of the $58.5 million budgeted, more than $11 million has been allocated to FedDev Ontario to support southern Ontario's tourism sector.
The funding is available for the creation, improvement or expansion of tourism-related infrastructure such as accommodations, local attractions and new tourism products or experiences.
There are five priority segments:
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Tourism in rural and remote communities
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Indigenous tourism
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Winter and shoulder season tourism
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Inclusiveness, specifically for the LGBTQ2+ community
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Farm-to-table tourism (culinary tourism)
Eligible applicants include:
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Municipalities
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Not-for-profit organizations operating in the tourism sector
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Incorporated businesses, including businesses and/or corporations, Indigenous-owned businesses and co-operatives
Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis and may be submitted at any point during the life of the program, until all funds have been fully allocated.
Note that priority will be given to applications received by FedDev Ontario on or before May 31, 2019.
For more information on the program, application guidelines and how to apply, visit the
Canadian Experiences Fund.