Discovering the Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism: Everything You Need to Know

Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism And Great Informations For You
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1. Delving into the Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism and Its Mechanisms

The Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism (CEF) was introduced by the Government of Canada as part of Budget 2019. This national program is designed to support communities across the country in developing, improving, and enhancing their tourism products, facilities, and experiences. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of the Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism, including how it operates and who can apply for it.

2. Eligibility: Who Can Apply for the Fund?

The Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism welcomes applications from a wide range of organizations, including non-profits, for-profit corporations, trade groups, and local, provincial, and indigenous governments. Let’s take a closer look at the eligibility criteria for each type of organization:

2.1 Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations can typically request funding up to $500,000. Requests surpassing this amount will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The CEF can cover up to 100% of qualified expenses.

2.2 For-Profit

Incorporated for-profit organizations with fewer than 500 full-time employees can apply for funding of up to $100,000, provided that all other sources of funding are confirmed. The CEF can support up to 50% of the project’s costs, with the remaining amount coming from non-government sources.

The approved projects will contribute to the growth and diversification of the tourism sector. Some activities that can be funded include:

  • Tourism product and service planning and development, such as creating new tourism services and goods like tours, special events, and festivals.
  • Collaborating with tourism associations to provide businesses with training on product marketing, international payment methods, cultural differences, and more.
  • Developing tourism facilities, such as pathways, campgrounds, and shelters.

3. Introducing the Tourism Relief Fund

Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism

The Canadian government has established the Tourism Relief Fund, which will be administered by FedDev and FedNor Ontario. This fund aims to assist tourism companies and organizations in adapting their operations to comply with public health regulations while investing in products and services that will contribute to their future expansion. With a budget of $500 million (ending on March 31, 2023), the Tourism Relief Fund prioritizes product development and destination development.

Enterprises can receive non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible expenditures or fully repayable contributions of up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs.

A minimum of $50 million will be allocated to Indigenous tourism programs, with an additional $15 million dedicated to national initiatives that promote national tourist interests. Various tourism entities, including corporations, not-for-profit organizations, band councils, and other Indigenous groups and cooperatives, are eligible to apply.

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this fund, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Play a significant role as a provider or operator in the tourist experience.
  • Be part of a well-defined tourism cluster or a tourism-dependent community, including downtown core support.
  • Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

3.2 Eligible Applicants

Entities primarily catering to visitors are eligible to apply. This includes:

  • Businesses
  • Not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations, band councils, or other Indigenous groups and cooperatives.

3.3 Permissible Activities

Projects funded by the Tourism Relief Fund will focus on:

  • Product development, such as initiatives that enhance tourism experiences, help businesses adapt to the “new normal,” and promote environmentally friendly and inclusive practices.
  • Destination development projects that position communities to seize post-pandemic opportunities by planning for medium- to long-term investments. These projects align with the objectives of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
  • Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) will work collaboratively to meet the specific needs of businesses and communities at a regional level, providing consistent support throughout Canada during this critical period.

And that concludes our guide to the Canadian Experience Fund For Tourism. If you want to explore more exciting destinations, check out our article on Beautiful Florida Beaches for Your Next Vacation.