This release was issued under a previous government.
Alberta’s tourism offerings are growing through shoulder-season development, rural projects and Indigenous cultural experiences.
The Tourism Growth Innovation Fund (TGIF) will provide $1 million to support economic growth by helping expand Alberta’s tourism offerings, with a focus on winter and shoulder-season tourism development, rural projects and Indigenous cultural experiences. The fund offers matching grants up to $75,000.
“With more than 30 million people visiting the province each year, Alberta’s tourism industry is a vital contributor to our economy. Tourism creates jobs, diversifies our economy and makes lives better for Albertans. TGIF is another resource to help the industry grow and prosper. This new fund will help communities and non-profit organizations tap into their ability to deliver the kinds of attractions and innovative experiences that travellers are seeking.”
Funding priority will go to projects that help grow tourism in communities beyond the province’s two major cities and mountain parks. The grant program focuses on strengthening collaboration among tourism stakeholders and will accept applications in two separate streams: destination development support and product development support.
Applications for TGIF will be accepted twice each fiscal year, with the first intake running from April 1 to 30. A second intake will run in October. Communities and non-profit tourism organizations from across the province are encouraged to apply.
TGIF is included in Budget 2018, which provides $56.4 million to further grow Alberta as a premier destination for domestic and international travellers, while providing exciting and affordable vacation options for families.
More information about the fund, including eligibility and application forms, is available at culturetourism.alberta.ca/TGIF.
Quick facts
- Tourism jobs cover a broad range, from part-time, entry-level positions to full-time executive positions, in regions across the province.
- The industry supports more than 19,000 businesses in Alberta, many of which are family owned, small- and medium-sized companies.
- In 2015, 34.1 million people visited Alberta and spent $8.1 billion (Statistics Canada).