The Ontario Regional Tourism Relief Fund

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.