The Government of Canada is investing in the sector to help Atlantic Canadian tourism organizations and operators develop new products and fresh approaches to delivering world-class tourism experiences.

“We commend the resilience and creativity shown across the Atlantic Canadian tourism sector during the pandemic. Our government has enhanced and expanded measures to ensure that tourism businesses are receiving the support they need now and throughout the recovery. As we work towards the day when travel restrictions can be lifted, we will continue to invest in small businesses to create economic opportunities in our rural and urban communities.”

-    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Out of the immense challenges of this past year, we have seen inspiring sparks of innovative thinking from our small businesses. Charlottetown’s DMO, Discover Charlottetown, has been a catalyst, bringing a welcome optimism and creative approach to fuel economic activity in our capital city. With this new fund, locals and visitors will see more great reasons to support local businesses and tourism experiences.”

-    Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

• Discover Charlottetown works closely with 180 industry organizations through a partnership-based model, delivering sales, marketing and product development on behalf of the capital region of Prince Edward Island.

• Funding for these projects is being provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

• The Tourism Product Ignition Fund follows a pilot project developed by Discover Charlottetown in early 2021 to create distinct assets for its member businesses to add value during the shoulder season. The initiative has since been adopted by all regional tourism associations (RTAs) and DMOs in the province. 

• Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada’s growth plan to create good jobs and support a resilient and inclusive recovery.

• One of the key measures in Budget 2021 includes revitalizing Canada’s tourism sector through $1 billion to help tourism businesses recover and support festivals and cultural events that provide jobs and growth in many of our cities and communities.

Associated links

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager, Prince Edward Island
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jana.Parker@ACOA-APECA.GC.CA