NDP MLA Grace Lore says tourism grants will help fund local events in Victoria
VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Grace Lore says that local events in Victoria will benefit from provincial tourism funding.
“Victoria is home to many fantastic events that attract both locals and visitors from across the globe” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “I’m so pleased we’re supporting a wide variety of events for 2023 that will bring people together while creating more opportunities for our local tourism industry.”
The Province has provided funding to nearly 100 organizations through its Tourism Events Program (TEP) to build B.C.’s reputation as an events destination and increase visitation.
In Victoria, the following local events are receiving funding from the program:
- Rifflandia Festival – $125,000
- Northwestern Francophone Games – $55,000
- Royal Victoria Marathon – $50,000
- TD Victoria International Jazz Fest – $40,000
- Splash Around Town – Symphony in the Summer – $23,000
- Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – $15,250
- Harbour Blues ‘N Roots Festival 2023 (formerly Vancouver Island Blues Bash) – $15,000
The Province announced $4.8 million for the Tourism Events Program in April this year, marking the return of TEP after a two-year absence due to the global pandemic. TEP funding supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural, or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of the event, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities. The Province has provided over $18 million in TEP funding since 2016, supporting 317 events.
TEP grant amounts are for eligible activities that amplify the event’s provincial, national, and international marketing reach.
Learn More:
Provincial News Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0049-001676
For information on the Tourism Events Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-funding-programs/tourism-events-program
To Learn about the Strategic Framework for Tourism 2022 – 2024:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/tourism-framework.