TRIP funding to help tourism operators with reopening

As the Northwest Territories (NWT) moves into summer, tourism operators are beginning to welcome visitors back, and funding is once again available to support the restart of licensed tourism-operations through the Tourism Restart Investment Program (TRIP).

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is contributing $600,000 from the federal Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing an additional $150,000. Licensed tourism operators must provide 10 per cent equity and are eligible for a range of funding from $4,500 to $22,500.

TRIP will provide funding to eligible applicants to support:

marketing activities and materials for domestic and international audiences,
recruitment, training and capacity building for new and returning employees,
adapting or enhancing health and safety protocols for tourism activities, and
reopening maintenance activities to ensure tourism operators are ready to receive visitors.

Funding is available to tourism operators with a valid Tourism Operator Licence (TOL) in the NWT. Non-profit organizations meeting the requirements are eligible.

Applicants will be required to prioritize the use of NWT goods, services and construction to support local employment and community economies.

The deadline for applications is July 4, 2022.

Quote(s)

“Behind our territories’ world-renowned tourism product, exists a community of dedicated and resilient individuals; many of whom have made it their lifework to present and represent our land and its people to the world. Despite the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector, operators have remained resilient and strong, and I am happy to see them start to welcome back visitors. The GNWT and CanNor have worked together through the pandemic to support the tourism community, and I hope that this funding helps set them up for success.

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment

“The tourism sector is a key contributor to NWT’s economy and the Tourism Relief Fund was created specifically to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector survive the impacts of the pandemic, recover and grow. Together, CanNor and the GNWT are making this happen by ensuring quick and streamlined financial assistance for NWT tourism operators to ramp-up and adjust their products and services to welcome back travelers.”

-Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

“The NWT has so much to offer Canadians and world travelers, and tourism-related businesses and operators are ready to welcome back tourists as travel continues to safely resume. This funding helps entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations prepare for re-launch through marketing and promotion activities, recruitment and training for employees, and adapting or enhancing health and safety protocols. Today’s announcement is part of our government’s on-going commitment to the tourism sector, supporting its recovery, and helping the sector continue as an essential part of the diversification of the northern economy.”

-Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

Quick facts

This is a $750,000 jointly funded initiative (CanNor $600,000 and ITI $150,000).
The maximum available funding to applicants is $22,500.
Applicants will be required contribute cash equity of 10%.

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Quick facts

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