This Canadian province is offering travel rebates to boost local tourism

Jul 16 2020, 3:59 pm

A new initiative is encouraging New Brunswick residents to plan a staycation in the province for the summer.

The province has launched a new program that will pay New Brunswickers to vacation at home.

The Explore NB Travel Incentive program was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate the tourism industry. It will allow New Brunswickers to apply for a 20 percent rebate on eligible expenses made while taking a vacation that includes a paid overnight stay in the province between July 15 and September 30.

In March, the New Brunswick border was closed to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland to prevent the spread of the virus.

The province started to reopen at the end of June and the new initiative will help promote travel within New Brunswick.

Government of New Brunswick

“This program is part of our ongoing efforts in assisting the tourism, cultural and recreational sectors to survive, recover and reimagine their future as they go through the pandemic,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bruce Fitch. “This rebate will not only encourage New Brunswickers to travel and discover the natural beauty and diversity of our province but to also support our industries during a period of time they need it the most.”

There are four categories of eligible expenses in New Brunswick:

  • Accommodations (such as hotels, motels, inns, B&Bs and campsites)
  • Food and drink (such as restaurants and food trucks)
  • Activities (such as entrance fees to attractions, museums, art galleries, cultural events and outdoor adventure activities) and
  • Travel (such as vehicle rentals, ferries and parking)

Residents can apply for the 20 percent rebate on eligible expenses up to $1,000. To qualify, the applicant must be:

  • A permanent resident of New Brunswick
  • Have valid and detailed receipts from registered New Brunswick businesses
  • Have a paid overnight stay at a New Brunswick accommodation

“We understand the province’s financial situation and we appreciate the support to the industry through this travel incentive program,” said Carol Alderdice, president and CEO of the association. “It will benefit our tourism operators and other economic sectors by encouraging New Brunswickers to travel more and spend time in their province this summer.”

Applications for the Explore NB Travel Incentive Program will be available online and must be submitted between October 1 to 30.

More information can be found on The Explore NB Travel Incentive program website.

Ty JadahTy Jadah

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