Feds investing $60 million in tourism
With construction of a new event centre that will extend Ravine Estates busy season into the winter months ongoing behind him, owner Paul Harber welcomes news of federal dollars pouring into Canada’s tourism industry.
“It helps us stay committed,” said Harber, the sixth generation of his family to operate a winery on the land, as MPs Vance Badawey and Chris Bittle visited the
St. Davids property Wednesday to outline new investments in tourism.
“We keep on growing, we keep on building,” said Harber, noting the business will be looking to new federal programs.
The funding in question consists of a $60-million, two-year investment through the Canadian Experiences Fund into five tourism segments: winter and shoulder seasons; rural tourism; Indigenous tourism; LGBTQ2 tourism; and culinary tourism.
“We will be taking a team-Canada approach,” said Badawey, explaining the focus will be on complementing core tourism brand destinations, such as Niagara Falls, by building and promoting hidden gems, be they sport fishing on Lake Erie, cycling in Short Hills Provincial Park, or sipping and savouring all Niagara’s wine country has to offer.
“There’s a lot of hidden jewels right across Canada,” said Badawey.
He pointed out by complementing what have been long-standing attractions visitors will stay longer, and return more frequently after taking in mainstay attractions like the Falls, bolstering the multibillion-dollar national industry.
“What’s going to keep you here is the wineries, what’s going to keep you here are the beaches,” said Badawey.
Regional Chair Jim Bradley was on hand for the announcement, taking time to underscore the importance of tourism to Niagara, especially in terms the thousands of jobs the industry represents in Niagara, and the region’s diverse offering of natural and built attractions.
“Just look at all the assets we have,” said Bradley.
Bittle echoed those comments, adding that on a national level Canada is poised to capitalize on a growing international tourism boom, following up on two years of record tourism numbers.
He hopes a new federal tourism strategy will boost tourism revenues by 25 per cent while creating 54,000 new jobs by 2025.
While much of the money will be focused on attracting more international visitors, $5 million has been set aside for promoting Canadian destinations to Canadians, with regional tourism investment groups across the country interfacing between the federal government and local agencies, investors and operators to drive growth.