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The tourism sector is getting $105 million in provincial relief funding.

Tourism sector gets $105 million relief from province

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:14 PST, Tue December 22, 2020

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The BC government is creating a dedicated relief funding stream to support people and businesses in the tourism sector.

"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," said Tourism Minister Melanie Mark. "This dedicated relief funding for the tourism sector will help people get through these next few months so we can welcome visitors back to our beautiful province once it's safe to do so."

The province acted on the task force's recommendations by committing $100 million in dedicated relief funding for the tourism sector. In addition, the province is also allocating $5 million to Indigenous Tourism BC to administer relief grant funding targeted for Indigenous businesses.

Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of BC's tourism industry. However, Indigenous businesses often face additional challenges that may impact their ability to recover, such as barriers to accessing financing and operating in remote locations where connectivity and business services may be limited. In the spirit of reconciliation, government will work in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC in the weeks ahead on an Indigenous-led funding program specifically designed for Indigenous tourism operators.

The $100-million dedicated relief funding for the tourism sector will be delivered through the existing business recovery grant program for small and medium businesses. Ravi Kahlon, minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation, has met with tourism and hospitality stakeholders, including members of the tourism task force.

"We know how deeply businesses have been impacted by the restrictions in place to keep our communities safe from COVID-19," Kahlon said. "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."

Tourism businesses will now be eligible for up to $45,000, an increase compared to the previous maximum of $40,000, due to a boost in the additional funds now available to help the sector recover. The Indigenous tourism relief grant program will launch early in the new year.

"We are all struggling, like almost all small businesses are right now, and this grant might make the difference to many of us whether or not we make it through this pandemic," said Mike Willie, owner and operator of Sea Wolf Adventures. "It is important for many reasons that Indigenous peoples participate in the mainstream economy as business owners and innovators, and it provides not only economic opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, but can influence change politically, socially and economically. This provincial government funding gives me confidence that Indigenous tourism operators have a chance to survive this crisis, so we can continue to contribute viably and economically in years to come."

Businesses can learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply online.