This release was issued under a previous government.

Invest in Tourism

The tourism entrepreneurship program includes one-on-one advisory services, regional workshops and partnerships to connect entrepreneurs with resources.

“Diversifying our economy is essential. Tourism creates jobs and we are proud to help support small businesses grow and to encourage entrepreneurs to pursue new tourism opportunities.”

David Eggen, Minister of Culture and Tourism

“This is great news for small businesses like River Valley Adventure Company. It can be tough to launch a new small business and it will help to have access to more resources and advice on how to grow my tourism business.”

Chris Szydlowski, Owner and Operator, River Valley Adventure Co.

“Having more supports for tourism businesses in our region is important to our community and our economy by bringing in more visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.”

Ward Read, Chief Executive Officer, Lloydminster Tourism

The first regional tourism entrepreneurial workshop will be held on October 6 in Lloydminster. The workshop is a collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Lloydminster Tourism and Regional Business Accelerator, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Community Futures, and Travel Alberta. It will focus on business practices, available resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Alberta’s tourism industry.

Workshops are also scheduled in Canmore, Calgary, Drumheller, Nanton, and Strathmore with more to come in regions across Alberta.

Tourism in Alberta

  • In 2013, there were more than 34 million visits,
  • visitor spending was $8 billion, and
  • there were more than 127,000 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs.

The tourism entrepreneurship program supports the government’s efforts to increase the development of must-experience tourism destinations to grow tourism in Alberta.

For more information visit tourism.alberta.ca/entrepreneurship.