$50 million for tourist attractions and tour bus companies

May 18, 2021 | 12:59 PM

The province is now accepting applications from major tourism attractions and tour bus companies for a share of $50 million dollars in grants, which will not have to be paid back. The funding was previously announced in the 2021 provincial budget.

The biggest grants are focused on major attractions in urban settings, like the Pacific National Exhibition and Butchart Gardens. Anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors a year will be eligible for up to $1 million.

Major anchor attractions in rural areas like O’Keefe Historic Ranch and the Interior Provincial Exhibition, that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year, are eligible for up to $500,000.

Tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year can get up to $500,000.

Anchor attractions and tour bus companies face high fixed costs because of their infrastructure and minimum staffing requirements.

Cycling from Okanagan to Van Isle

Police asking for help locating missing man

11h ago

Stage 2 Restrictions

Water restrictions enhanced for Greater Vernon due to storage concerns

12h ago

international security discussions

Local MP attending Defence and Aerospace Conference in Turkey

13h ago

“Many communities depend on tourism landmarks to boost the local economy, bring visitors to town and provide many young people with their first jobs,” Premier John Horgan said. “We are helping these important businesses survive today so they are ready for a strong recovery, and future generations can enjoy these iconic institutions for years to come.”

Many interior attractions, restaurants and hotels rely on tour bus traffic for business.

Eligible expenses include payroll, rent and utility costs related to restarting or ramping up operations in preparation for gradual reopening in alignment with provincial health orders. The funding is available for not-for-profit organizations and businesses.

“We have 50 staff and had to lay over half off at the start of the pandemic. At the same time we saw visitation drop by 76 per cent and 2020 revenue decline from $1.2 million to just $270,000,”Jonathan Burke, board chair, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society, said. “We’re doing all we can to keep our doors open, and the funding will help us pay expenses until we can get back to running at full capacity.”

by Kevin Rothwell

View Comments