{"id":259137,"date":"2020-06-24T04:15:18","date_gmt":"2020-06-24T08:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=259137"},"modified":"2020-06-24T04:15:18","modified_gmt":"2020-06-24T08:15:18","slug":"atlantic-canada-opportunities-agency-supports-tourism-industry-to-help-maintain-local-jobs-and-come-back-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/06\/24\/atlantic-canada-opportunities-agency-supports-tourism-industry-to-help-maintain-local-jobs-and-come-back-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency supports tourism industry to help maintain local jobs and come back strong"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Honourable M\u00e9lanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced $16 million in federal investments to support the tourism industry across Atlantic Canada. (Pixabay Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Government of Canada invests $16 million to strengthen Atlantic Canada\u2019s tourism sector and help the industry move forward<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Atlantic Canada\u2019s tourism industry is crucial to the vitality of communities across the region. Every year, millions of visitors are drawn to Canada\u2019s East Coast for its spectacular landscapes, delicious food and friendly people. Tourism supports over 100,000 good jobs at more than 8,000 businesses across Atlantic Canada, playing a crucial role in local economies \u2013 and also local pride.<\/p>\n

Federal government support for local tourism in Atlantic Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Honourable M\u00e9lanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced $16 million in federal investments to support the tourism industry across Atlantic Canada.<\/p>\n

Delivered by ACOA, this funding will support 79 tourism initiatives led by communities, businesses and organizations across the region. This targeted investment includes more than $2.4 million to destination development and marketing organizations, which will support 10 projects to help attract visitors to Atlantic Canada.<\/p>\n

This complements the funding that each province is receiving from Destination Canada for destination marketing organizations, $4.5 million in total, to implement targeted marketing programs and encourage residents to discover their own backyards.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada\u2019s commitment to supporting Atlantic Canada\u2019s tourism businesses through this difficult time. This includes significant measures to help them keep employees, manage cash flow and pay rent. It also includes the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to cover those who don\u2019t qualify for other programs, nearly doubling the budget of ACOA and the other Regional Development Agencies. Finally, the government has redirected $30 million from Destination Canada\u2019s budget towards domestic travel, one of the first times it will be promoting Canada to Canadians.<\/p>\n

In partnership with local organizations, ACOA is working to support the region\u2019s tourism operators, encourage local tourism and help Atlantic Canadian tourism come back strong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Quotes<\/h2>\n

\u201cFrom the Cabot Trail to the Bay of Fundy, the beaches of Cavendish to the mountains of Gros Morne, it\u2019s not hard to see why visitors are drawn to Atlantic Canada. Yet our tourism industry and those whose livelihoods depend on it has been hit hard by COVID-19, and we stand with them. Our message is clear: we\u2019ve been here for you with immediate measures, we\u2019re here for you now as our economy reopens and we\u2019ll get through this together and come back strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

–The Honourable M\u00e9lanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cCommunities and businesses across Atlantic Canada are working feverishly to make the most of this tourism season. I\u2019m pleased that ACOA is working with the tourism industry to support communities and operators at this critical time. Today\u2019s announcement will support 79 important projects that will protect jobs and help businesses move forward with local tourism opportunities, while ensuring the industry is prepared to welcome visitors to Atlantic Canada as soon as it is safe to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

– Ren\u00e9 Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (ACOA and Official Languages)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Quick facts<\/h2>\n