Lower Mainland attractions receive $1.6 million to create memorable cultural experiences and boost Indigenous tourism

Lower Mainland attractions receive $1.6 million to create memorable cultural experiences and boost Indigenous tourism

September 27, 2024 at 1:50 pm  Federal, Politics

The Government of Canada is making investments in tourism across British Columbia to attract visitors and drive local economic growth

September 27, 2024 – Vancouver, British Columbia – PacifiCan

British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and unique arts and culture experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. In the Lower Mainland, tourism business owners, operators and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions. 

Today, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $1.6 million in funding through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program for seven Lower Mainland organizations. This funding will help create dynamic tourism experiences, from arts exhibitions and family-friendly festivals to historic sites that showcase the region’s rich Indigenous history and knowledge. 

As part of today’s announcement, Indigenous Tourism BC is receiving $350,000 in funding to provide Indigenous communities and businesses with capacity-building workshops and professional content development, producing engaging videos and photos for social media campaigns and websites. This will boost business growth by spreading the message near and far about the exceptional Indigenous tourism offerings in B.C. while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous communities throughout our province.

The Vancouver Maritime Museum is receiving $250,000 to revitalize the St. Roch National Historic Site for the first time since 1974. The St. Roch was the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage west to east and circumnavigate North America. PacifiCan funding will create an immersive, accessible showcase of Inuit perspectives and traditional Indigenous navigation, such as reading stars, winds, and currents – skills passed down through generations. 

Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is receiving $250,000 to create a dynamic new event for the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival, showcasing exclusive in-person experiences, interactive live events, art exhibitions, and performances by acclaimed filmmakers. By integrating film, music, and creative arts and technology, the festival will boost attendance from both local and international visitors. 

Other investments included in today’s announcement include:

  • $205,270 for Fort Langley Community Improvement Society to revitalize the historic Community Hall
  • $201,000 for Nectar Yoga Retreat to enhance its health and wellness offerings on Bowen Island
  • $129,500 for Tourism Burnaby to expand its local Halloween Festival
  • $250,000 for Yes Cycle to expand its bicycle and e-scooter rental operations in Vancouver 

More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.

Projects like the ones announced today deliver memorable experiences for Canadian and international visitors alike. They create jobs, grow the local economy, enrich communities, and put B.C. on the map as a destination of choice.

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