Minister of Tourism highlights ongoing commitment to growing
Indigenous tourism in Canada
OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Indigenous tourism
plays a vital role in advancing reconciliation and generating
employment in communities across Canada. Supporting its growth remains a high
priority for the Government of Canada, in collaboration with First Nations,
Inuit and Métis communities. In partnership with the
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), the government
is rolling out the $10 million Indigenous Tourism
Fund (ITF) Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS),
providing direct financial support to Indigenous tourism
enterprises.
Today, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of
Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development
Agency of Canada for the Regions
of Quebec, announced the third
group of businesses to benefit from the MSBS. In this round,
$1.01 million in federal
funding, administered by ITAC, has been awarded to 41 Indigenous
tourism businesses from across Canada.
This announcement follows previous rounds of funding
support:
- Round 1: Supported 78 Indigenous tourism businesses
through approximately $1.94 million
in funding.
- Round 2: Provided about $1.67
million to 67 businesses.
To date, the MSBS has delivered approximately $4.6 million in support to 186 Indigenous
tourism businesses. This stream is designed to help Indigenous
businesses become business-, market- and export-ready and to ensure
long-term sustainability.
Ongoing investment in Indigenous tourism demonstrates a
steadfast commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs and
communities. By providing these businesses with the necessary
resources and support, the government aims to create a thriving and
resilient Indigenous tourism industry that enriches the cultural
tapestry in Canada and offers
unique experiences to visitors from around the world.
Quotes
"Indigenous tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth and
a vital part of our national identity, and that's why helping it
grow and thrive is one of our top priorities. By supporting
Indigenous-led tourism initiatives, we are supporting communities
in making their own decisions and developing tourism at their own
pace, while promoting cultural preservation and economic
reconciliation. This latest round of funding demonstrates our
ongoing commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and
enhancing tourism offerings in Canada."
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and
Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of
Canada for the Regions of
Quebec
Quick facts
- Before the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing
segment in the Canadian tourism market, posting significant gains
in job creation and contributions to Canada's GDP.
- The Indigenous tourism industry was hard hit by the pandemic
but is now showing signs of recovery. According to the Indigenous
Tourism Association of Canada
(ITAC), as of 2022, the industry generated $1.86 billion in direct GDP and 39,000 jobs.
- The Government of Canada's
2022 budget dedicated $20 million to
the Indigenous Tourism Fund to aid the industry's recovery from the
pandemic.
- Additionally, Budget 2024 announced $2.5
million in 2024–25 in continued support for the Indigenous
tourism industry through ITAC.
Associated links
- Indigenous Tourism Fund
- Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
- The Canadian tourism sector
Stay connected
Follow Canada Business on social media.
X (Twitter): @canadabusiness | Facebook: Canada
Business | Instagram: @cdnbusiness
Follow the department on LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada.
For easy access to government programs for businesses, download
the Canada Business app.
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada