Backgrounder: Vancouver organizations receive almost $3 million to enhance local tourism experiences

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $2.9 million in PacifiCan funding through the Tourism Relief Fund for 14 projects in Vancouver. The projects will attract tourists and create jobs, primarily for women, youth, visible minorities and Indigenous people.

The projects announced today include:

Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society
$156,028
Funding will go towards purchasing 18 dragon boats for the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival.

Destination BC Corp.
$836,000
Funding will help local communities and businesses develop strategic tourism plans to attract more visitors to B.C. The project will deliver workshops, online resources and toolkits to support the creation of new and unique tourism experiences throughout the province.

FlyOver Canada
$99,999
Funding will go towards producing an immersive film experience featuring the Canadian Rockies.

Gastown Business Improvement Society
$50,000
Funding will go towards establishing more welcoming outdoor spaces for visitors to Gastown, including the installation of lighting, furniture, and an interactive art display.

Go2 Productions Inc.
$99,999
Funding will help expand an augmented reality exhibit in downtown Vancouver.

Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society
$500,000
Funding will help deliver the annual Vancouver International Film Festival, which attracts visitors during the city’s shoulder season and promotes B.C.’s film and television industry. The event includes film screenings, conferences, live performances, and free outdoor programming

Latincouver Cultural and Business Society
$355,000
Funding will help expand Latin American Heritage Month celebrations in Vancouver by hosting public events featuring live music, dance, literature, art, food, and workshops.

Little Mountain Gallery Community Arts Performance Association
$163,807
Funding will go towards developing a comedy arts venue in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood.

Punjabi Market Collective Society
$100,000
Funding will support the revitalization of Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market neighbourhood by creating a tourism development plan and establishing two local cultural events.

The Arts Club of Vancouver Theatre Society
$99,999
Funding will support renovating and relaunching the Granville Island Stage in Vancouver. Project work includes enhancing the visitor experience and refurbishing the lobby and lounge.

The Coastal Jazz and Blues Society
$250,000
Funding will help revitalize the Vancouver International Jazz Festival following a hiatus during the pandemic. Work will include event planning and setup and securing artists.

Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia
$37,500
Funding will support the development of presentation materials and videos for destination management organizations to prepare them for success in the tourism industry.

Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society
$100,000
Funding will help revitalize the Vancouver Fringe Festival on Granville Island, which attracts visitors during Vancouver’s shoulder season. The Festival features a wide variety of performances from theatre to dance to spoken word.

Vancouver Native Housing Society
$100,000
Funding will be used to revitalize Skwachàys Lodge in Vancouver.

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• News Release: Vancouver organizations receive almost $3 million to enhance local tourism experiences