The Government of Canada is investing over $40 million to support more than 300 projects in the Greater Toronto Area, enhancing recreational facilities, parks, and trails in an effort to attract visitors to the region.
The Greater Toronto Area’s tourist attractions and destinations, such as festivals, museums, galleries, and the waterfront, play a vital role in the region’s economy and cultural identity. These attractions highlight the diverse heritage and natural beauty of the region, according to a report by Mirage News.
During Economic Development Week, important investments made across Ontario to support the tourism industry are being emphasized. Between 2022 and 2023, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) delivered nearly $140 million through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).
This fund aimed to help tourism-oriented businesses and organizations across southern Ontario recover from the pandemic’s impacts and safely welcome back visitors.
As a part of this investment, over $40 million was delivered to 310 tourism businesses and organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. This support provided memorable experiences for visitors and positioned the region for future success.
For example, the Beaches International Jazz Festival received $100,000 to enhance visitor experiences at its popular two-week music festival in Toronto. With this support, organizers were able to produce a new event, ROCKFEST, which attracted thousands of visitors to the area.
TRF support also made a significant impact in the community of Mississauga. The Muslim Womenpreneurs Network received more than $95,000 to deliver the Ramadan Expo 2023 at the International Centre.
With this support, the Ramadan Expo featured over 200 businesses, showcasing various products and services, live performances, a kids’ zone, and virtual reality experiences.
Furthermore, the Toronto Convention & Visitor Association (RTO 5) and Central Counties Tourism (RTO 6) provided non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 to tourism businesses and organizations in the region.
This support included the Township of Brock, which received $100,000 from RTO 6 to develop a permanent tourism website, secure the designation as the Small Mouth Bass Fishing Capital of Canada, create an accessible pathway to its waterfront, and beautify its downtown for visitors.
Many projects backed by the TRF focus on sustainable practices, emphasizing responsible tourism growth.
These practices include eco-friendly accommodations, waste reduction, and resource conservation methods at newly developed or enhanced recreational facilities, parks, and trails, appealing to environmentally conscious visitors.
An array of outdoor activities has been incorporated into the supported projects, catering to various preferences within the outdoor hospitality industry. Examples of these activities include hiking, cycling, bird watching, canoeing, and fishing. This broader perspective on available experiences fosters excitement and interest among potential tourists.
Additionally, the investment in tourism recovery can benefit local communities through increased job opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry. The creation of new positions for campground staff, tour guides, and outdoor educators leads to positive effects on local job markets.
These investments have been crucial in helping local businesses and organizations welcome more visitors and build stronger, more vibrant communities. The focus on sustainable practices, diverse outdoor activities, and opportunities for local communities ensures the outdoor hospitality industry will continue to thrive.
The Government of Canada’s investment in Greater Toronto Area tourism recovery highlights the importance of the tourism sector in the region, while providing valuable and engaging content specifically related to the outdoor hospitality industry.
This support will continue to benefit the economy, environment, and local communities, offering memorable experiences for visitors and fostering long-term success.