The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada recently announced the 2023/24 Fall and Winter Tourism Product Development Fund, which provides an opportunity for tourism businesses such as campgrounds to apply for funding to develop new offerings that will attract tourists during the fall and winter shoulder seasons.
According to the government website, the maximum funding available for any campground operator is CA$7,500. The money can be used for new fall and winter initiatives to be implemented before April 30, 2024.
The fund will be administered through Tourism PEI as well as Regional Tourism Associations (RTAs) and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), including Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, Discover Charlottetown, Explore Summerside, Island East Tourism Group, North Cape Coastal Tourism Partnership, and Tourism Cavendish Beach.
To be eligible, campgrounds must be licensed under the Tourism Industry Act and used for business activity, not as a primary residence. For cottage operations, owners must have more than one rental unit. Bed and breakfast or inn operators where the owner resides on site must have at least three guest bedrooms with private bathrooms.
Campgrounds must be for-profit and Island-owned, open a minimum of 9 months per year, and contribute at least 15% of the total project cost.
Examples of eligible expenses include consulting fees related to developing new tourism products (up to 25% of awarded funding) and marketing costs for the funded projects.
The government stated a preference for funding projects that demonstrate packaging opportunities to create a cluster of winter products and experiences to attract tourists.
Campground owners interested in applying should develop creative ideas to incentivize campers to visit during the shoulder seasons.
The application requires a one-page proposal with a description of the proposed initiative, intended benefits, and budget.
Campground owners and operators interested in applying should contact their regional RTA or DMO for details by the end of April.
To learn more, click here.