DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the program is to coordinate tourism industry investments according to regional priorities and to strengthen the synergy of all regional partners.
The 2016-2020 Regional Tourism Partnership Agreements have been renewed for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. As part of these renewed agreements, two components are proposed to support tourism businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic., whereas a third component is intended for collective projects demonstrating financial benefits for businesses in several regions or sectors. A fourth line targets specifically the regios of Montréal, Quebec City and Outaouais, particularly impacted by the pandemic.
The projects submitted must be structuring and contribute to renewing and improving the region’s tourism offering. They must promote the achievement of the following objectives:
- Stimulate the regional economy of the Nunavik and d’Eeyou Istchee Baie-James regions by maintaining a quality tourism offer, developing an innovative tourism offer or developing new niches for tourism businesses.
- Promote the development of an original and complementary tourism offer that respects sustainable development.
- Section 1: Support to small- and medium-sized tourism businesses for the opening of the 2020 season
Eligible projects must seek to make the space dedicated to the tourism clientele and employees of eligible tourism businesses compliant with the health plans proposed by the Government of Quebec or a partner of the latter.
- Section 2: Support for collective projects to help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses adapt to new health realities
Eligible projects must benefit several tourism businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These businesses may belong to one or more different tourism sectors and be located in one or more tourism regions in Quebec. The projects must constitute an innovative business solution aimed at improving the customer experience as well as remote management and sales. They must generate quantifiable financial benefits and be driven by:
-
-
- A regional tourism association
- A sectoral tourism association
- An agent recognized by the Ministry of Tourism
- A combination of the above
Section 3: Support for projects to develop and structure the tourism offer
Projects must fit into one of the following seven categories (including more substantial projects that adapt to the new COVID-19 health context, which are also eligible under each of these categories):
- Attractions, activities and equipment: This category refers to all the elements making up the tourist offer of a territory.
- Studies: Financial assistance may be granted for studies that require specific expertise in order to increase the development of the tourism offer and to validate the financial viability of a project. The project under study must support regional priorities and generate benefits for the development of the territory’s tourism industry. The mandate must be carried out by a consulting firm or a recognized organization in the tourism and/or economic field, following a call for bids.
- Structuring of the regional tourism offer: In order to support the regional priorities for the development of the tourism offer, one-time financial assistance may be granted to structuring projects in the region. The theme of the project must be representative of the region and generate benefits for the territory of more than one regional county municipality as well as for several businesses. The project may be coordinated by the regional tourism association or by any other entity recognized and accepted by the management committee, and it must receive financial support from various organizations or businesses in the territory.
- Accommodations: The project submitted must make it possible to structure a particular territory, raise the quality level of the accommodation sector, extend the promoter’s period of attendance or offer new services adapted to the clientele.
- Festivals and events: Financial assistance may be provided for festivals and events deemed to be regionally significant.
- Consulting Services: Financial assistance may be granted for the hiring of a consultant offering coaching or consulting services aimed at the adoption of better business practices, the development of workforce skills, improving the quality of customer service or coaching in the development of a new project or activity.
- Digital development of a company: Financial assistance may be granted for the digital development of a company to increase virtual or digital interactions with customers in order to reduce physical contact and health risks, while enhancing their experience.
Section 4: Support for strategic tourism businesses in the downtown areas of Quebec’s tourism gateways. Eligible projects must enable strategic tourism enterprises to weather the crisis and continue to attract people. The funds can help strategic businesses to adapt, innovate or diversify their products. Enterprises must be situated in the downtown of Montreal, Quebec o Gatineau and be a key touristic attraction to the sector, demonstrating serious difficulties due to the absense of tourists.
More specific information for the selection process can be found with the corresponding municipal department of tourism.
