Tuesday, February 28, 2023
The Canadian government will contribute to the funding of 50 tourism initiatives in Alberta, authorities revealed on Monday.
Ottawa is investing $17.8 million in tourism activities in Alberta through its PrairiesCan department.
Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s tourism minister, told reporters that tourism is “big business” and the second largest sector in Alberta, behind oil and gas.
“The economic growth is real. It infuses economic growth in our communities and in our regions,” Boissonnault said adding that “we can show the world that our tourism businesses are open to welcome everybody.”
The following are the tourism initiatives planned out:
• $3.25 million for Travel Alberta to increase tourism;
• $1.45 million for the Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake to add year-round Sky Watching Domes;
• $2 million for TELUS World of Science in Edmonton for new exhibitions and enhancements;
• $1 million for the National Music Centre in Calgary to host musical productions;
• $525,000 for the Alberta Small Brewers Association to build The Alberta Ale Trail, a self-guided tour network to promote breweries across the province; and
• $297,000 for the Town of Sylvan Lake to develop a 10-year plan to grow year-round tourism.
According to Todd Loewen, the province’s minister of forestry, parks, and tourism, the investment would sustain 2,800 employment and help Alberta diversify its economy.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said Edmonton has “so much to offer,” from the river valley to all of its festivals and Ice District.
“[The investment will] allow us to attract more visitors, which is so important for our economic growth, for our revitalization of our downtown business districts,” Sohi said.
Tags: Alberta tourism, Tourism
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
