Tourism in B.C. is getting another financial boost from the provincial government

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Tourism in B.C. is getting another financial boost from the provincial government.

Accommodations providers and tourism operators holding occupancy and BC Parks permits will get these grants if COVID-19 has hit them hard.

As much as $15 million will be provided through the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund for three groups:

• B.C.-owned large accommodation providers employing more than 150 people, who will be qualified for up to 25% of property taxes to a maximum of $500,000.

• Indigenous-owned large accommodation properties employing more than 100 people and located on reserve, which will be entitled to receive 100% of BC Hydro fees up to maximum of $200,000.

• Tenure and BC Parks permit holders that operate as tourism businesses.

“The tourism industry in B.C. continues to be hit hard by the pandemic,” said tourism, arts, culture and sport minister Melanie Mark. “From day one, our government has worked side by side with industry leaders on recovery initiatives so the industry can come back stronger than ever.This grant was a call to action by the Tourism Task Force to support these businesses with their bottom line and ensure they can thrive.”

The grants, which are the latest in the list of financial support for the tourism industry, can be applied for until Feb. 14.
“Accommodators across B.C. have suffered years of devastating losses while struggling to meet the demands of rising fixed costs,” said BC Hotel Association President Ingrid Jarrett. “We are grateful that this funding will help alleviate hardship for large accommodation providers and better position our industry for recovery,” Jarrett said.

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