The province has confirmed that the $100 million Ontario Tourism Recovery Program, previously announced in the spring budget, will launch in mid-October.<\/p>\n
The goal of the program, notes a news release from the province, is to help stabilize the province\u2019s tourism industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The program will help for-profit tourism businesses in the attraction, accommodation, and leisure travel sectors protect critical jobs in communities across the province and help them prepare to reopen and safely welcome back visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last 18-months of the pandemic have been the most challenging Ontario\u2019s tourism industry has ever faced. Previously an economic powerhouse for the province, tourism has been hit by the triple threat that COVID-19 represents \u2013 a health, economic and social crisis,\u201d said Lisa MacLeod, the minister of heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis critical funding will help support regionally significant businesses, while protecting jobs in communities that rely on the tourism industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Businesses that help drive employment and visitors to their regions are eligible to apply for the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program. These organizations are key employers and tourism generators in all regions of the province.<\/p>\n
Eligible tourism businesses include inns and lodges, boat tours, ski hills\/resorts, live performance venues, cinemas, drive-in theatres, and amusement and water parks.<\/p>\n