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Cabinet officials

British Columbia Government Responds to Tourism Task Force Recommendations with Relief Funding

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government of British Columbia has committed $100 million in dedicated relief funding to support the tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be delivered through the existing Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program and will provide up to $45,000 in grants to eligible tourism businesses. The government has also allocated $5 million to Indigenous Tourism BC to administer relief grant funding specifically targeted for Indigenous businesses. This support is part of a broader effort to help the tourism industry recover and prepare for the return of visitors when it is safe to do so.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of British Columbia has committed $100 million in dedicated relief funding to support the tourism sector, which is struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The funding will be delivered through the existing Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program and will provide up to $45,000 in grants to eligible tourism businesses.
  • The government has also allocated $5 million to Indigenous Tourism BC to administer relief grant funding specifically targeted for Indigenous businesses.
  • The tourism sector is expected to benefit from the streamlined application process and enhanced supports, making it easier for businesses to qualify for grants.
  • Indigenous tourism, one of the fastest-growing segments of B.C.'s tourism industry, faces additional challenges such as barriers to accessing financing and operating in remote locations.
  • The Indigenous tourism relief grant program will launch early in the new year.
  • The Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program has already been adjusted to accommodate the new funding and eligibility criteria.
  • 5 million in funding has been allocated to Indigenous Tourism BC to administer relief grant funding for Indigenous businesses.
  • Up to $45,000 in grants will be available to eligible tourism businesses through the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program.
  • The government has committed $100 million in dedicated relief funding to the tourism sector.

Sources:

  • Government of British Columbia. Victoria: The Government of British Columbia is responding to the recommendations of the Tourism Task Force by creating a dedicated relief funding stream to quickly support people and businesses in B.C.'s tourism sector. (Government of British Columbia website)
  • Indigenous Tourism BC. This year has tested the resilience of the tourism industry. It has been a time for the sector to come together. We thank the Province for its ongoing partnership to see Indigenous Tourism BC through to the other side of the impacts of the pandemic (press release)
  • Ravi Kahlon. Working with business owners and stakeholders, we've adjusted the application criteria and enhanced the supports for tourism businesses so they can continue to support their employees, address operating costs and be ready to welcome visitors again as soon as it's safe to travel (Government of British Columbia website)
  • Tamara Vrooman. COVID-19 has had a severe impact on our tourism industry and we are confident the funding bridge will provide immediate relief to keep businesses open. This is a good first step to ensure we are well-positioned for recovery when we can once again welcome visitors to British Columbia (Government of British Columbia website)
  • Melanie Mark. This has been the most challenging year that people working in the tourism sector have ever faced, and while news about vaccines arriving in British Columbia give us reason to be hopeful, we aren't through this storm yet (Government of British Columbia website)

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