Outaouais tourism to flourish with government of Canada backing
Tashi Farmilo
The Outaouais region is set to witness an amplified tourism experience, thanks to substantial financial support from the Government of Canada. Eight prominent tourism organizations in the region have received a cumulative sum of $787,617 in financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
The Canadian tourism sector, a vital contributor to the economy, once generated over $100 billion in annual revenues. However, the pandemic struck a significant blow to this industry. In response, the Government of Canada initiated the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), a $500 million nationwide endeavor aimed at aiding businesses and entities within the sector to navigate the pandemic's impacts and position themselves for future growth. Administered by CED in Quebec, the TRF concluded on March 31.
During a visit to Auberge Terre et Neige, Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, representing the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, unveiled a notable investment of $787,617 for eight Outaouais-based tourism organizations. These entities, recipients of CED support under the TRF, include Auberge Chalet Couleurs de France, Pourvoirie Maxime M et D, Pourvoirie de la Lièvre, Auberge Terre et Neige, Pavillon Richer, Eastern Canadian Outfitters, Pourvoirie Lac Isidore, and Les Entreprises Carpediem S.E.N.C. This announcement follows a series of strategic investments by CED as part of the initiative, with a report on the TRF released on June 28.
The financial assistance will not only elevate tourist activity in the Outaouais region, but will also serve as a conduit to attract potential clientele to numerous regional businesses. Recognizing the importance of businesses and organizations as community assets, the Government of Canada is committed to fostering a robust tourism industry as a cornerstone of Quebec's economic revival.
Sophie Chatel expressed, "Our government has invested to maintain and rebuild the tourism ecosystem in the Outaouais region and right across Quebec. Thanks to major support from the Government of Canada and the incredible efforts of our entrepreneurs and workers in the tourism sector, we are seeing an impressive recovery in the sector. Together, we will ensure the tourism experience we offer is attractive to visitors from around the world."
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada emphasized the broader significance of the tourism industry, stating, "Through the tourism industry, we can showcase Canada’s culture and diversity to visitors from around the world. Our government has always been very aware of the importance of tourism to the country and continues to be here for businesses and organizations in this sector. The investments announced today will help eight dynamic homegrown organizations look to the future. Their projects represent excellent news for the Outaouais region and its tourism industry, which is so rich and diverse."
As the Outaouais region gears up to harness the momentum from this substantial support, the community anticipates a reinvigorated and prosperous tourism landscape in the coming years.
