Thirteen projects will help enhance tourism experience in Gaspésie region thanks to Government of Canada support

Thirteen organizations receive a total of over $1M in financial assistance from CED.

CHANDLER, QC, Nov. 16, 2023 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

A key driver of the economy, the Canadian tourism industry generated more than $100 billion in annual revenues before being hit hard by the pandemic. That is why the Government of Canada launched the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), a $500M pan‑Canadian initiative to help businesses and organizations in this sector overcome the impacts of the pandemic and position themselves for the future. The initiative, administered by CED in Quebec, ended on March 31, 2023.

Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, is announcing, on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, a total of $1,065,486 in financial contributions for 13 tourism organizations in the Gaspésie region that have received support from CED under the TRF: Folies Boréales, Domaine Signature, Riôtel Percé, [ÈST] éco-cabines, Riôtel Bonaventure (Le Château Blanc de Bonaventure), Hôtel Motel Belle Plage Carleton, Hostellerie Baie Bleue, Camping au soleil couchant, Hôtel Interprovincial (Restaurant Pastali), Motel Fraser, Les Chalets de la Mer (Mécanique Guy Caissy), Société de restauration et de gestion de la Nouvelle, and Café Acadien Bonaventure. This announcement follows a series of strategic investments made by CED under this initiative; a report on the TRF was unveiled on June 28, 2023.

Further details on the 13 projects are provided in the related backgrounder. In addition to helping increase tourist traffic in the Gaspésie region, these projects will make it possible to attract potential clients to several regional businesses.

The Government of Canada recognizes and supports businesses and organizations that are a source of pride in their communities. Quebec's economic recovery relies, among other things, on a strong tourism industry with organizations rooted in the regional economy. The players in this sector are major contributors to growth, as well as key assets in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient, greener, and more inclusive economy.

Quotes

"Our government has invested to maintain and rebuild our tourism ecosystem here in the Gaspésie region and right across Quebec. Thanks to this major support from the Government of Canada and the incredible efforts of our entrepreneurs and workers in the tourism sector, we are seeing an impressive recovery in the sector. I am delighted to know that visitors will now be able to enjoy renewed tourist attractions throughout our beautiful region. These important investments will enable 13 Gaspésie organizations to continue to boost the region's drawing power."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine and Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Through the tourism industry, we can showcase Canada's culture and diversity to visitors from around the world. Our government has always been very aware of the importance of tourism to the country and continues to be here for businesses and organizations in this sector to ensure they recover. The investments announced today will help 13 organizations look to the future. Their projects represent excellent news for tourism to prosper in the Gaspésie region, ensuring Quebec continues to be a destination of choice."

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

• Tourism accounts for $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and 2% of Canada's GDP.
• The TRF was specifically created to help tourism businesses and organizations offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome international travellers again.
• With a national budget of $500 million, including $485 million administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs) and $15 million by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the TRF is part of the $1 billion in tourism support announced in Budget 2021. This initiative ended on March 31, 2023, in Quebec.
• In Quebec, the TRF made it possible to support 292 projects over the last two years. This assistance, totalling $110,623,941, complements all the actions taken by different partners, including the Government of Quebec.
• In the Gaspésie‒Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, 44 projects have received support under the TRF, for a total of $6,274,580 in investments from CED. These projects have led to the creation of 77 jobs.
• CED is a key federal partner in Quebec's regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow's economy.

Associated links

• News release on the TRF report, issued on June 28, 2023
• Tourism Relief Fund
• CED funding initiatives and programs

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Marie-Justine Torres, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Cell: 613-327-5918, [email protected]