Supports for Indigenous tourism businesses continue

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Indigenous tourism businesses will receive another financial boost to aid in pandemic recovery and foster growth through the continued partnership of the Province and Indigenous Tourism BC.

These grants are reconciliation in action and support self-determination for Indigenous tourism businesses to showcase their territories, culture and people.

Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said that together with Indigenous Tourism BC they are working to rebuild Indigenous-led tourism and return it to the thriving levels of growth we saw before the pandemic, resulting in a stronger future for everyone.
The Province initially provided $5 million to Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC) to create the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund. It is now is providing an additional $3 million for a second intake.

Launched in February 2021, the fund provides grants to Indigenous tourism businesses, including lodges and resorts, restaurants, outdoor adventure experiences, galleries and gift shops owned by Indigenous people.
Recipients can use the funds to keep the lights on and pay rent or employee wages. The intake opening date for the second round of the recovery grant will be announced by ITBC in the coming weeks.

ITBC has worked hard with stakeholders and provided a support system for businesses to continue operating during the pandemic, said Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC.

For example, Ay Lelum, the Good House of Design on the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo, used its grant to maintain its business.

Quick Facts:

There are more than 480 Indigenous tourism businesses, within the 203 First Nations in British Columbia.

Prior to the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing sector of the tourism industry. It generated $705 million in direct gross domestic output and created 7,400 direct full-time jobs.

140 Indigenous tourism businesses received grants through the first round of the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund, which is a partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC.

These grants have assisted in maintaining nearly 1,200 jobs in communities throughout B.C. in the past year.

The BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund is part of the Province’s actions to support the recovery of the tourism industry.

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