Launch of the Business Tourism Development Fund – The government is investing $2.5 million to support the recovery of business tourism

LAVAL, QC, Dec. 6, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Quebec is proud to launch the Business Tourism Development Fund with a budget of $2.5 million to support the revival of business tourism in Quebec.

The Minister of Tourism and the Minister responsible for the Lanaudière and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions, Caroline^Proulx, made the announcement today during her visit to Laval. She was accompanied by Mr Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval region. Tourisme Laval, the regional tourism association, will manage the budget with the support of a steering committee comprised of representatives from the tourism industry and the Ministry of Tourism.

Quotes:

“Business tourism is a very important sector for Quebec’s economy, and our government is taking concrete action to support its recovery and return to growth. It’s worth noting that this is the most lucrative segment of the tourism industry. In fact, a business traveler spends, on average, twice as much as a leisure traveler. I am confident that the fund launched today will help the industry reclaim this market, convince companies to hold conferences and events here in Quebec, and showcase the expertise and know-how that have earned our destination its reputation for excellence.”

Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions

“I am delighted by this announcement, especially since the management of the Business Tourism Development Fund has been entrusted to Tourisme Laval, a local organization. Quebec tourism businesses are fortunate to have the support of an association that has developed valuable expertise in business tourism. I encourage them to take advantage of this and to continue innovating, particularly by adopting responsible and sustainable practices.”

Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

Tourisme Laval the Ministry of Tourism for creating this fund, which will provide the necessary support to the business tourism sector throughout Quebec so that its stakeholders can move from crisis to recovery. This is a breath of fresh air for organizations looking to host an event. I am proud to be part of this dynamic industry, which has shown resilience since the start of the pandemic. I would like to thank the Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, for the trust she has placed in Tourisme Laval to manage this fund.” 

Geneviève Roy, President and CEO of Tourisme Laval

Highlights:

• The fund's main objectives are:
  • Stimulate the demand for business events in Quebec, in the short term and in compliance with health standards, as well as the economic and social vitality of communities and regions by maintaining a chain of suppliers involved in organizing and holding business events.
  • to offset the increased costs caused by the pandemic;
  • Support business event organizers in adapting their experience in the context of the global pandemic.
  • to contribute to the adoption of best practices in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility within the business travel sector.
• Eligible applicants are clients organizing business events, such as for-profit or non-profit organizations and cooperatives legally constituted in Quebec as well as Indigenous communities, organizations and nations recognized by the National Assembly.
• The types of events covered are conventions, trade shows and business meetings.
• Eligible costs are:
  • o Fees
  • o Rental fees related to the event
  • o Food Services
  • o Costs related to the health measures put in place for the event
  • o Costs related to the adoption of good practices in sustainable development and social responsibility
  • o Accommodation costs for staff, volunteers and event organizers
  • o The non-refundable portion of taxes related to eligible costs.
• The applicant's contribution must be at least 20% of the total costs of the event.
• The total government assistance fund shall not exceed 80% of the total cost of the event.
• These events must have total costs of at least $50,000, take place before December 31, 2022, and generate a minimum of 40 overnight stays at commercial lodging establishments in Quebec.

Related link:
Business Tourism Development Fund

Ministry of Tourism on social media:
https://twitter.com/tourisme_quebec/
https://www.facebook.com/TourismeQc/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourismequebec/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ASu9yRbDiJH6pErSzeLrw?app=desktop

SOURCE:
Office of the Minister of Tourism

Information: Sources: Amélie Dionne, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions, Tel: 418 860-8486, Email: amelie.dionne@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca; Rosalie Tremblay-Cloutier, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Minister responsible for the Fight against Racism and Minister responsible for the Laval region, Tel: 438 777-3777; Information: Jean-Manuel Téotonio, Media Relations Officer, Communications Department, Ministère du Tourisme, Tel: 418 643-5959 ext. 3488; Hélène Vézina, Director, Communication and Marketing, Tourisme Laval, amelie.dionne@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca, Tel: 418 643-5959 ext. 3488; Jean-Manuel Téotonio, Media Relations Officer, Communications Department, Ministère du Tourisme, Tel: 418 643-5959 ext. 3488; Hélène Vézina, Director of Communication and Marketing, amelie.dionne@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca, Tel: 418 643-5959 ext. 3488: Jean-Manuel Téotonio, Media Relations Officer, Communications Department, Ministry of Tourism, Tel: 418-643-5959 ext. 3488; Hélène Vézina, Director, Communication and Marketing, Tourisme Laval, Tel: 450-682-5522, ext. 105