SUPERIOR NORTH – Are you thinking about travelling around the vast beauty of Northern Ontario? There is no better time than now.
Canada's tourism sector is essential to the Canadian economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry generated $102 billion in annual economic activity and 1.8 million jobs and accounted for over two per cent of Canada’s GDP.
In Northern Ontario, the sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. In 2019, tourism generated over $104 billion in revenue and directly employed 692,000 people, including those in underrepresented groups like women, students, racialized people, and Indigenous populations.
Therefore, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to support tourism businesses and organizations and municipalities and Indigenous communities so they can have an advantage as the economy reopens.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister stated, “Tourism is a key sector in Northern Ontario and is essential to the economy of our region and to Canada. Today’s funding will protect and save jobs, support businesses and bolster regional recovery efforts. Northern Ontario is a fabulous place to visit to experience Indigenous culture and many unique destinations. I look forward to welcoming tourists to this beautiful region.”
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced tourism investments totalling $3,862,756 for four projects designed to support Indigenous communities and tourism businesses, enhance tourism offerings and accelerate recovery efforts across Northern Ontario. With the funding provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and Tourism Relief Fund, the funded initiatives are expected to create and maintain more than 180 jobs while helping to generate more than $100 million in economic benefits for the region’s tourism sector.
“Indigenous Tourism Ontario is extremely proud to be working very closely with FedNor to directly support Indigenous tourism operators while creating new opportunities within the sector. We believe this type of mutually beneficial regional collaboration is what will lead to a renewed, rejuvenated and prosperous tourism recovery for all,” said Kevin Eshkawkogan, president & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario is a provincial not-for-profit and membership association which focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments, and industry leaders from across Ontario and Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario and beyond.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario will receive $2,162,756 to support tourism recovery efforts in more than 50 Indigenous communities. The funding is also helping ITO, in partnership with Science North, Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource, to launch the Indigenous Ingenuity travelling exhibit. The remaining $1.7 million will allow Science North to implement its three-year COVID-19 Recovery Plan and roll out the Great Northern Ontario Roadshow, a series of more than 50 flagship events designed to highlight incredible opportunities for cultural, art, heritage, culinary, and recreational tourism that exist in the region.
Canada has much to offer travellers from all over the world: breathtaking landscapes and wide-open spaces; diverse and inclusive experiences; and exceptional people who provide outstanding service. With a strong focus on health and safety and high COVID-19 vaccination rates, Canada is among the most alluring and innovative destinations for visitors.