Government of Canada continues to support the tourism sector for a strong recovery and future growth
April 21, 2022 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada has much to offer the world as travel safely resumes: breathtaking landscapes and wide open spaces; diverse and inclusive experiences; and welcoming people from coast to coast to coast who provide outstanding service. Combined with a strong focus on health and safety and high COVID-19 vaccination rates, Canada is among the most alluring and smartest destination choices for visitors.
The pandemic has had an undeniable impact on Canada's tourism sector. The Government of Canada has helped keep tourism businesses open and the Tourism Relief Fund will help them be even better positioned to welcome back guests.
Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth, announced a non-repayable investment of $100,000 through the Tourism Relief Fund for the expansion of the Halifax Busker Festival in Dartmouth. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the ACOA.
The expansion includes international busker and music performances at Alderney Landing and Ferry Terminal Park in Dartmouth. The funding will enable the Festival to hire 10 to 12 new contract staff, secure high profile performers and embark on a marketing campaign to local, national and international audiences. Attracting more people to the Festival will benefit businesses in both Dartmouth and Halifax, where the Halifax Busker Festival began 36 years ago.
Launched in July 2021, the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) was created to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers. The TRF is administered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
