LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

The Canadian government has announced the launch of the Tourism Growth Program (TGP), a
new initiative aimed at bolstering the tourism industry in Quebec and across the country. The
program, delivered in Quebec by Canada Economic Development (CED), is designed to
enhance regional economies and generate economic benefits, including in Indigenous
communities.

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for
CED, has invited Quebec organizations to apply for funding under the TGP. The program will
provide financial support to local businesses and tourism organizations to improve their
offerings and attract more visitors. It will focus on sustainable and outdoor tourism, as well as
Indigenous tourism, with the goal of increasing the economic vitality of communities through
tourism.

CED will offer direct support for projects requiring financial assistance between $60,000 and
$250,000. The program will be delivered in collaboration with the Société des attractions
touristiques du Québec (SATQ) for projects under $60,000 and Indigenous Tourism Quebec
(ITQ) for all Indigenous-led initiatives. ITQ will dedicate 15% of the total TGP budget to
Indigenous tourism projects.

The TGP aims to address the specific needs of Quebec’s diverse communities and regions,
working closely with the Government of Quebec and regional tourism associations. Small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the tourism sector are
encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply for funding.

Marie-Justine Torres, Press Secretary for the Minister of Tourism, highlighted the importance of
the TGP for regions like Outaouais and Pontiac, known for their parks, museums, and festivals.
She emphasized that the program would prioritize projects promoting sustainable, seasonal,
and outdoor tourism, as well as Indigenous tourism. “The Outaouais and Pontiac regions are full
of tourist attractions and experiences, particularly through its parks, museums, sporting
activities, and festivals. This is why the Tourism Growth Program represents good news for the
economic development of the region. The TGP is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses,
as well as non-profit organizations in the tourism sector who wish to develop projects aiming to
attract visitors in the region. According to the objectives of the program, projects encouraging
sustainable, seasonal, and outdoor tourism will be prioritized. Additionally, 15% of the total TGP
envelope will be devoted to projects promoting Indigenous tourism. We can therefore expect
future initiatives for the region to reflect these priorities,” said Torres.

Minister Martinez Ferrada expressed her commitment to supporting the growth of Quebec’s
tourism industry, stating that the TGP will help create jobs and contribute to regional economic
development. François-G. Chevrier, Director General of Événements Attractions Québec,
welcomed the collaboration with CED, noting that the investment would enhance the
competitiveness of Quebec’s tourism offerings.​

Patricia Auclair, Deputy Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Quebec, praised the
partnership with CED and the focus on Indigenous tourism, which will enable Indigenous
experiences to attract more visitors and contribute to economic growth.

Photo: The Tourism Growth Program represents a significant step forward in supporting
Quebec’s tourism industry, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and regional development.
(TF) Photo courtesy of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions