Quebec will invest an additional $214 million to support the growth of the tourism industry in 2023.
The Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, made the announcement in front of more than 600 delegates gathered at the Assises du tourisme, which take place Thursday at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Of this sum, $210 million will be distributed over three years to pursue the development of various tourist attractions in Quebec. This includes the renewal of the Support Program for the Development of Tourist Attractions, where $60 million will be available annually in the form of loans and loan guarantees.
Over the past five years, 146 projects have been supported by this program to the tune of $290 million.
The Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program is increased by $30 million. In doing so, its total budget reaches almost $270 million. On the eve of its second anniversary, this program has made it possible to financially support 91 projects.
In addition, $4 million has been allocated by the Minister to extend the Explore Québec on the road program, whose deadline has been postponed to March 31, 2025. The program budget therefore reaches $17 million for this year.
“The tourism industry is an important driver of economic development for Quebec. We believe in it, and that is why we are investing in it. We want to once again raise this sector to the list of Québec’s main export products, increase tourism spending by international visitors and double spending on business tourism,” the Minister declared.
“To do this, we are working with all of our partners, particularly within the framework of our annual meetings, in order to face the current challenges of the industry and to adopt a strategy for the sustainable growth of tourism in Quebec. . »
Focus on delegations abroad
To promote Quebec as a tourist destination, Minister Proulx and her colleague in International Relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, will rely on the general delegations that the province has abroad.
“Our delegates are dynamic people and they are very involved. In addition, they love Quebec very much,” underlined Minister Biron, to explain how these delegates are ambassadors of choice for the beautiful province.
“As the flagship of the French language in North America, Quebec has a lot to offer. With our impressive network of 34 representations in 19 countries, we will continue our efforts with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Quebec and its charms and make as many people as possible come and visit us,” she added. .
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