Outaouais Tourism unveils funding program to boost winter tourism
Tashi Farmilo
Outaouais Tourism has unveiled a new initiative to boost winter tourism in the region, supported by a $1 million funding envelope from the Ministry of Tourism (MTO). This funding is part of the MTO’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027, which aims to attract over 65 million visitors annually to Quebec by 2027, with winter tourism playing a pivotal role.
Julie Kinnear, the outgoing President and CEO of Tourisme Outaouais, emphasized that this funding is not limited to Gatineau but is available to all areas within the Outaouais region. While Gatineau benefits from its infrastructure and ability to host large-scale events, this program ensures inclusivity, allowing all eligible regions to access the funds by meeting the specified criteria.
The $1 million allocation is part of a larger $5 million investment announced by Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx in December 2023. This investment is aimed at enhancing winter tourism in Montreal, Quebec City, and the Outaouais region. Kinnear highlighted that the funds would support projects across the entire Outaouais region, encouraging diverse regional participation.
Organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects must take place between November and April and align with key objectives such as developing a distinctive tourism offering to attract visitors from Quebec, Ontario, and the United States, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance winter tourism.
The funding aims to support businesses in expanding their range of winter events and attractions, thus enriching the regional tourism calendar and ensuring vibrancy throughout the winter season. Economic benefits from these projects are expected to boost the region’s vitality, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development.
Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, and indigenous communities and organizations. Projects must have a minimum cost of $500,000 and secure funding from at least one other partner. Eligible expenses cover a wide range of costs, including construction, travel, professional fees, and specialized equipment.
Applications must include a detailed business plan, marketing strategy, financial statements, and confirmation of financial partners. Projects will be evaluated on their alignment with program objectives, potential to attract new visitors, innovative nature, financial viability, and integration of sustainable development principles.
Julie Kinnear encouraged all eligible regions in the Outaouais to take advantage of this funding opportunity to create a robust and appealing winter tourism offering. The goal is to enhance the economic landscape of the Outaouais region while promoting sustainable and innovative solutions. For more information, consult the Outaouais Tourism website: https://www.tourismeoutaouais.com/en/funding/.
