The Government of Canada is
making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive
local economic growth
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 27,
2024 /CNW/ - British
Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and
unique arts and culture experiences that bring the world to our
doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada's economy and creates good jobs in
communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to
Indigenous communities. In the Lower Mainland, tourism business
owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans
and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions.
Today, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Honourable
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister
responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada (PacifiCan), announced
$1.6 million in funding through
PacifiCan's Tourism Growth Program for seven Lower Mainland
organizations. This funding will help create dynamic tourism
experiences, from arts exhibitions and family-friendly festivals to
historic sites that showcase the region's rich Indigenous history
and knowledge.
As part of today's announcement, Indigenous Tourism BC is
receiving $350,000 in funding to
provide Indigenous communities and businesses with
capacity-building workshops and professional content development,
producing engaging videos and photos for social media campaigns and
websites. This will boost business growth by spreading the message
near and far about the exceptional Indigenous tourism offerings in
B.C. while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous
communities throughout our province.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is receiving $250,000 to revitalize the St. Roch National
Historic Site for the first time since 1974. The St. Roch was the first ship to navigate the
Northwest Passage west to east and circumnavigate North America. PacifiCan funding will create
an immersive, accessible showcase of Inuit perspectives and
traditional Indigenous navigation, such as reading stars, winds,
and currents - skills passed down through generations.
Greater Vancouver International
Film Festival Society is receiving $250,000 to create a dynamic new event for the
2024 Vancouver International Film Festival, showcasing exclusive
in-person experiences, interactive live events, art exhibitions,
and performances by acclaimed filmmakers. By integrating film,
music, and creative arts and technology, the festival will boost
attendance from both local and international visitors.
Other investments included in today's announcement include:
- $205,270 for Fort Langley
Community Improvement Society to revitalize the historic Community
Hall
- $201,000 for Nectar Yoga Retreat
to enhance its health and wellness offerings on Bowen Island
- $129,500 for Tourism Burnaby
to expand its local Halloween Festival
- $250,000 for Yes Cycle to expand
its bicycle and e-scooter rental operations in Vancouver
More details about the organizations receiving funding can be
found in the backgrounder below.
Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable
experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They
create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put
B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.
Quotes
"The Lower Mainland is home to world-class tourism attractions
with ambitious plans to welcome visitors from all corners of
British Columbia, Canada and
beyond. PacifiCan is here to support these organizations as they
bring their memorable experiences to more visitors. These projects
showcase our region's rich history and cultural diversity while
strengthening our economy and creating good jobs here in our
communities.
-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 businesses and organizations can expand, create jobs and
attract more tourists to the Lower Mainland. 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
"Indigenous Tourism BC is thrilled with the opportunity to
launch our innovative digital content project, supported by a
$350,000 grant from the Tourism
Growth Program. This funding will enhance our marketing efforts and
equip Indigenous tourism operators with the essential tools needed
to grow. Dedicated to authentically showcasing the diverse and
vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities across B.C., our project
anticipates a strong impact on promoting sustainable growth and
cultural sharing within the tourism sector."
-Brenda Baptiste, Chair,
Indigenous Tourism BC
"Bringing Indigenous perspectives to the foreground and
upgrading the exhibit's presentation to modern standards will be
the biggest upgrade to the museum since the St. Roch exhibit
opened in 1974. This project will enhance the stories being told
and the technology we are using to tell them."
-David Jordan, Executive Director
of the Vancouver Maritime Museum
"The Tourism Growth Program is exciting because it allows
organization's like VIFF to develop new strategies, take risks, and
pursue sustainable growth. PacifiCan's support is not only deeply
impactful for our festival but is an important act of recognition
by the federal government that the arts and culture sector can be a
powerful contributor to economic expansion and tourism. This fund
will transform VIFF into a true destination event by adding a
multidisciplinary layer to the festival which incorporates film,
music, live performances and creative technology."
-Kyle Fostner, Executive
Director of the Vancouver
International Film Festival
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
- Tourism Growth Program
- Indigenous Tourism BC
- Vancouver Maritime Museum
- Greater Vancouver
International Film Festival Society
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Backgrounder: Lower Mainland attractions receive $1.6 million to create memorable cultural
experiences and boost Indigenous tourism
Today, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Honourable
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister
responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of
Canada (PacifiCan), announced
$1.6 million in funding through
PacifiCan's Tourism Growth Program for seven Lower Mainland
organizations. This funding will help create dynamic tourism
experiences, from arts exhibitions and family-friendly festivals to
historic sites that showcase the region's rich Indigenous history
and knowledge.
The projects announced today are:
Fort Langley Community Improvement Society
$205,270
PacifiCan funding will support the transformation of
Fort Langley's historic Community
Hall into a vibrant cultural hub, offering artists a dedicated
space for exhibitions, performances, and other events. This
revitalization project will strengthen the local arts community,
boost revenue for nearby businesses, and attract more visitors,
enhancing Fort Langley's
reputation as a top destination for arts and culture.
Greater Vancouver
International Film Festival Society
$250,000
PacifiCan funding will support the creation of a dynamic new
event for the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival,
showcasing exclusive in-person experiences, interactive live
events, art exhibitions, and performances by acclaimed filmmakers.
By integrating film, music, and creative arts and technology, the
festival will boost attendance from both local and international
visitors.
Indigenous Tourism BC
$350,000
PacifiCan funding will enable Indigenous Tourism BC to
provide Indigenous communities and businesses with
capacity-building workshops and professional content development,
producing engaging videos and photos for social media campaigns and
websites. This will boost business growth by spreading the message
near and far about the exceptional Indigenous tourism offerings in
B.C., while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous
communities throughout our province.
Nectar Yoga Retreat
$201,000
PacifiCan funding will help Nectar Yoga on Bowen Island expand its health and wellness
offerings by creating three hydrotherapy thermal healing
circuits.This unique hot-cold therapy experience will enhance the
retreat's appeal to both local and international visitors and
support business growth in the shoulder seasons when visitor
numbers are lower.
Tourism Burnaby
$129,500
PacifiCan funding will allow Tourism Burnaby's Halloween
Festival to expand into a month-long marquee event, attracting
local and out-of-town guests during the fall shoulder season, a
period often less popular with visitors. Offering a variety of
diverse experiences for families and cosplay enthusiasts, this
expanded festival will drive tourism and support local
businesses.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
$250,000
PacifiCan funding will enable the Vancouver Maritime Museum
to revitalize the St. Roch exhibit
for the first time since 1974, transforming it into an immersive
and accessible experience that highlights Inuit perspectives and
Indigenous navigation. This project involves the design,
fabrication and installation of new multimedia elements, which will
attract more visitors, deepen cultural engagement and stimulate
economic growth.
Yes Cycle
$250,000
PacifiCan funding will support Yes Cycle's expansion to a third
location near Stanley Park, increasing its bicycle and e-scooter
inventory and advancing Vancouver's sustainable tourism strategy
through eco-friendly transportation options. This project will
create local jobs, boost tourism, and make exploring the city's
attractions more efficient and accessible.
SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada