The Government of Canada is
making investments across British
Columbia to attract visitors, create good jobs and
strengthen communities
VANCOUVER, BC, July 18,
2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada committed $108
million of federal funding for the Tourism Growth Program to
help grow Canada's vibrant tourism
sector and attract more visitors to our beautiful country.
British Columbia is home to
breathtaking natural attractions and unique arts and cultural
experiences that bring the world to our doorstep, and British Columbia's tourism operators have
ambitious plans for the future. Through the Tourism Growth Program,
the Government of Canada is
investing $14 million in British Columbia to help realize that ambition
and drive long-term growth.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency
Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada
(PacifiCan), announced $250,000 in
PacifiCan funding for the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.
The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society's renowned fireworks
competition, the Honda Celebration of Light, has been illuminating
Vancouver's skyline for more than
30 years. The festival is one of the city's anchor summer events,
drawing over one million visitors to English Bay each year. It
brings local residents and tourists together, benefiting businesses
and celebrating music, food and culture.
PacifiCan's support, through the Tourism Growth Program, will
allow the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to enhance viewers'
experiences with improved amenities, such as upgraded viewing
areas. These enhancements will meet the growing demand for this
signature Vancouver event.
Local tourism creates jobs, grows the economy, and puts B.C. on
the map as a destination of choice. Projects like the one announced
today deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors and British
Columbians alike. PacifiCan's investment is expected to attract 15
per cent more out-of-town visitors to this year's Honda Celebration
of Light.
Quotes
"The Honda Celebration of Light is one of many attractions that
showcase British Columbia as one
of the world's best cities. This iconic festival lights up
Vancouver and strengthens B.C.'s
economy by drawing over a million visitors annually. By investing
in tourism experiences across our province, the Government of
Canada is propelling B.C. forward
and laying the groundwork for prosperity today and well into the
future."
- The
Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan,
Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister
responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada
"From majestic mountains to captivating coastlines, British Columbia has what tourists want.
That's why we're helping B.C.'s tourism industry grow and thrive
through the Tourism Growth Program. This important funding means
that the Honda Celebration of Light can expand, create jobs and
attract more tourists to Vancouver. I look forward to seeing the
difference it makes in the years to come!"
- The Honourable Soraya
Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible
for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"The Honda Celebration of Light is the longest-running fireworks
competition and biggest festival in B.C., connecting community and
creating significant economic benefit for the region. The
non-profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society is thrilled to
deliver another fun, free, family event with the generous support
of PacifiCan and the Tourism Growth Program. We greatly
appreciate the work of PacifiCan and Minister Sajjan to make the
event possible in 2024."
- Yuri Fulmer,
Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society - Board Member
Quick Facts
- PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated
to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are
building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and
supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
- The Tourism Growth Program is a key component of the Federal
Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term
growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism industry.
- Through this $108 million
national program, the Government of Canada is investing $14
million in British Columbia
to help small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit
organizations, and communities, including Indigenous communities,
develop local tourism attractions and experiences that make
Canada a destination of
choice.
- In B.C., tourism employs over 84,000 people. Over 16,650
tourism businesses operate in B.C.
- In 2021, the B.C. tourism industry generated $13.5 billion in revenue.
Associated Links:
- PacifiCan
- Honda Celebration of Light
- Tourism Growth Program
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SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada