By rdnewsNOW staff

Government grants aimed at attracting more tourists to Alberta

Sep 6, 2018 | 7:24 AM

CALGARY- Alberta communities and not-for-profit operators of tourism attractions are receiving provincial grants to attract more visitors and boost tourism spending.

Thirteen recipients of the first intake of the Tourism Growth Innovation Fund (TGIF) are developing strategies and new products that will help expand tourism in the winter and shoulder seasons in smaller communities and niche markets.

TGIF aims to strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders and offers matching grants of up to $75,000.

Local recipients are:

Red Deer Visitor and Convention Bureau

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Growing our Visitors Experience: The funds will be used to develop a sport and event tourism strategy that will help enhance and expand on leisure travel opportunities in the community.

Town of Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake Festival and Event Strategy Implementation: The funds will help grow Sylvan Lake’s tourism offerings by establishing a selection of off-season sustainable festivals and events.

Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism says “We are helping communities across the province continue to build and enhance tourism experiences that travellers want. This will attract more people to Alberta and inspire them to explore off the beaten path to find our hidden gems. With more innovative tourism products, people will stay longer which will help grow our tourism industry and local economies, and create memorable experiences for Albertans and travellers.”

The goal of the grant program is to diversify tourism experiences and destinations, focusing on innovation and shoulder season opportunities across the province.

Communities and non-profit tourism organizations from across the province are encouraged to apply during the next intake period, Oct. 1 – 31.

More information about the fund, including eligibility and application forms, is available at alberta.ca/TGIF.

(Gary McKinnon)