The provincial government has announced it will support BC’s tourism industry with a $10 million grant.
In an announcement Monday, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture said 59 community-destination marketing organizations (DMOs) impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive the funds.
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DMOs are not-for-profit organizations that promote tourism in their specific regions and rely on funds from the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), which is charged to visitors when they book a hotel or other types of accommodation.
“The tourism industry is a major economic engine and job creator for people in B.C., but the impacts of COVID 19 have left the industry struggling,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a statement.
“We are supporting the tourism industry today to make sure we can welcome visitors to explore Super, Natural British Columbia when it is safe to do so.”
The funding will allow for DMOs to keep crucial staff positions and offset fixed expenses from May to October 2020.
The Ministry of Tourism adds that without the relief funding “community DMOs would be unable to operate and support economic recovery efforts in the tourism sector.”
“As we look onwards to reopening and restarting the visitor economy, community DMOs are well placed to create effective marketing and development campaigns that will drive visitors to their communities across our beautiful province,” said Nancy Small, Chair, BC Destination Marketing Organization Association, in a statement.
“This welcomed funding announcement will give many of us that ability to remain operating and plan for the future. It is excellent news.”
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