Government of Canada News Release: Vancouver organizations receive almost $3 million to enhance local tourism experiences

The funding for Destination British Columbia will provide strategic tourism planning assistance to communities and developing new experience development programming for businesses to advance recovery and support the development of unique tourism experiences to attract more visitors to BC. The tourism industry and visitor expectations have shifted in the last few years, and the funding from PacifiCan will help to support new and enhanced experience development programming for businesses, so that BC can continue to be a leading provider of unique tourism experiences that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Government of Canada release below:

On April 17, 2023, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.9 million in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for 14 projects in Vancouver. The projects will attract tourists and create jobs, primarily for women, youth, visible minorities and Indigenous people.

The projects announced include:

Destination BC Corp.
$836,000
Funding will help local communities and businesses develop strategic tourism plans to attract more visitors to B.C. The project will deliver workshops, online resources and toolkits to support the creation of new and unique tourism experiences throughout the province.

FlyOver Canada
$99,999
Funding will go towards producing an immersive film experience featuring the Canadian Rockies.

Gastown Business Improvement Society
$50,000
Funding will go towards establishing more welcoming outdoor spaces for visitors to Gastown, including the installation of lighting, furniture, and an interactive art display.

Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society
$500,000
Funding will help deliver the annual Vancouver International Film Festival, which attracts visitors during the city’s shoulder season and promotes B.C.’s film and television industry. The event includes film screenings, conferences, live performances, and free outdoor programming

The Arts Club of Vancouver Theatre Society
$99,999
Funding will support renovating and relaunching the Granville Island Stage in Vancouver. Project work includes enhancing the visitor experience and refurbishing the lobby and lounge.

Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia
$37,500
Funding will support the development of presentation materials and videos for destination management organizations to prepare them for success in the tourism industry.

Full details available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2023/04/backgroundervancouver-organizations-receive-almost-3-million-to-enhance-local-tourism-experiences.html

Media Contact:

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and Minister Responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
[email protected]