The Ontario Regional Tourism Relief Fund

April 13, 2022

In Canada Ontario Tourism
The Ontario’s Southwest Tourism Relief Fund

Up to $100k In Funding Available to Tourism Businesses and Municipalities in Ontario 

The Ontario Regional Tourism Relief Fund has been created to support tourism businesses, municipalities and organizations to adapt their operations, facilitate growth, and position Ontario to be a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors. Eligible applicants can now apply to receive funding support to pursue initiatives that will encourage tourism.  

Costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months prior to the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.

Funding Details

  • Eligible applicants can apply for a non-repayable contribution between $20,000 and $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs for incorporated for-profit businesses 

  • Not-for-profit organizations and municipalities can apply for up to 100% of eligible costs 

  • Costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months prior to the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021
     
  • All projects must be completed by, and all project expenses incurred no later than December 31, 2022

 

Eligible Applicants  

  • Not-for-profit incorporated organizations (including tourism associations and destination management organizations)

  • Indigenous/First Nation/Métis owned businesses and Indigenous organizations

  • Municipalities and municipal organizations

  • Incorporated businesses (primarily SMEs) 

Restaurants, hotel chains, and retail sector are ineligible for this funding.  

 

Eligible Activities

  • Creating, adapting, and enhancing protocols and permanent infrastructure to meet health and safety requirements to accommodate visitors
  • Modernizing operations, attractions, greening initiatives, and online sales services 
  • Supporting businesses with the local promotion of tourism products, including digital and virtual reality experiences
  • Developing capacity for more inclusive tourism experiences (e.g., staff training to ensure welcoming, inclusive environments to diverse clientele, gender-neutral washroom facilities)
  • Providing support to local communities to develop sustainable tourism plans based on research and market analysis, and designed to rebuild tourism confidence in communities
  • Supporting seasonal dispersion by equipping tourism SMEs to extend their product offering to increase visitation during the winter and shoulder seasons
  • Implementation of tourism plans that create or improve local assets, facilities, and planning for key infrastructure
  • Developing and enhancing tourism services and experiences
  • Implementing strategies to re-activate and animate downtown cores, main streets and business districts through activities, public art, and mixed-use spaces. 

 

Deadline

  • Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2022. 

Need some advice?

Not sure if your organization qualifies for government funding? Schedule a free assessment with us today.

Let's Connect
Language & Region

EN | FR | USA  

Legal

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Our Company

At GrantMatch, we acknowledge that our headquarters are situated on the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as well as the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, and Anishinabek people. This land is covered by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. We respectfully recognize that these lands’ original inhabitants and caretakers are First Nation and Métis people, and we are deeply grateful to be able to work on this land. As a remote team with employees across Turtle Island, also called North America, we would like to acknowledge the importance of the land that each of our team members calls home. GrantMatch actively encourages employees to learn about the history of the land on which they are situated and their local Indigenous peoples.