Tourist attractions in Niagara Region eligible for grant if business fell 50 per cent during pandemic closures

Municipalities within the Niagara Region, particularly Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, may be interested in Ontario’s new Tourism Recovery Program

The province announced yesterday (September 27) that it was investing $100 million to help tourist businesses that have experienced a loss of at least 50 per cent of eligible revenue in 2020-21 compared to 2019.

Eligible tourism businesses include inns and lodges, boat tours, ski centres, live performance venues, cinemas, drive-in theatres, and amusement and water parks.

“The last 18-months of the pandemic have been the most challenging Ontario’s tourism industry has ever faced. Previously an economic powerhouse for the province, tourism has been hit by the triple threat that COVID-19 represents – a health, economic and social crisis,” said Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Minister Lisa MacLeod.

“This critical funding will help support regionally significant businesses, while protecting jobs in communities that rely on the tourism industry.”

Successful recipients will have the flexibility to apply funds to any eligible expenses and do what makes the most sense for their businesses.

Expenses could include reopening and operating costs such as staff salaries and maintenance, health and safety measures for visitors and workers, tourism product and experience development, or marketing.

Applications for this program will open on October 13, 2021.