VICTORIA The B.C. government is offering up to $1-million grants to help anchor attractions and tour bus operators survive the pandemic and ramp up operations when it s safe to do so.
Premier John Horgan and Tourism Minister Melanie Mark said they believe the $50-million BC Major Anchor Attractions Program is enough to prevent any of those not-for-profits and businesses on the edge from going under.
Few sectors have been hit as hard by COVID-19 as tourism, Horgan told a news conference Tuesday.
Anchor attractions have ripple effects on the economy as visitors stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and shop in the area, while also offering employment opportunities, especially for youth, he added.
Posted:
May 19, 2021
New program to support anchor tourism organizations
The provincial government is accepting applications for support through B.C.’s new major anchor attractions and tour bus companies funding program.
B.C.’s major anchor attractions create jobs in communities throughout the province and draw visitors to other nearby businesses.
Additionally, tour bus companies are an important link to bring travellers to regional destinations, attractions and experiences. B.C. is not through the pandemic yet, but the number of cases is going down and more than 50% of eligible British Columbians have received the vaccine, stated a May 18 Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport media release.
The province said anchor attractions and tour bus companies face high fixed costs because of their infrastructure and minimum staffing requirements.
As such, with funding announced in Budget 2021, the $50 million BC Major Anchor Attractions Program may offer up to $1 million per attraction through one-time grants.
Eligible expenses include payroll, rent and utility costs related to restarting or ramping up operations in preparation for gradual reopening in alignment with provincial health orders. The funding is available for not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
Examples of criteria and eligible organizations include:
Major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year – eligible for up to $1 million;
B C landmark tourism attractions eligible for up to $1 million in pandemic grants lethbridgeherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lethbridgeherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.