This text is part of the special Business Tourism booklet
To breathe new life into business tourism, the Ministry of Tourism launched the Business Tourism Development Fund in December. The goal? Support the recovery of the sector, hard hit by COVID-19.
Launched on December 6, 2021 (before another wave of measures hit the middle), the Business Tourism Development Fund (FDTA) is a $2.5 million government fund created by the Ministry of Tourism.
“Business tourism is a very important sector for the Quebec economy, and our government is taking concrete action to support it in its recovery and return to growth. Remember that this is the most lucrative of the tourist segments,” said Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx in a press release.
After the waltz of openings and closings and the obligation to cancel many conventions and business events, the Legault government is sending with this fund a signal of its desire to put business events back on track. The gradual recovery also begins on Monday, with business meetings, assemblies and conventions allowed for a capacity of 50% of the room or a maximum of 500 people, and without capacity limits from February 28. for business meetings and assemblies, and March 14 for conventions.
Give oxygen
“It’s a fund to breathe life into business tourism,” explains Geneviève Roy, President and CEO of Tourisme Laval. It is indeed to his organization that the ministry entrusted the management of the FDTA, because of its expertise — Tourisme Laval had managed the business tourism strategy process of the Ministry of Tourism in 2019. The organization, in collaboration with a steering committee made up of representatives from the tourism industry and the Ministry of Tourism, promotes the FDTA and manages grant applications.
The purpose of the fund is, among other things, to stimulate short-term demand for business events in Quebec, to offset the increase in costs caused by the pandemic and to support business event organizers in adapting their experience. The money obtained could, for example, allow the organizers to reduce their financial commitment or to absorb the many expenses related to health measures. “From memory, this is the first time that such a fund is aimed at conference organizers,” says M.me Roy.
The response on the ground to the launch of the FDTA was very positive, and Tourisme Laval received several requests during the first call for projects. “As we had to close everything, it did not help to encourage the filing of requests, but with the recent announcements, it should start again”, indicates Mme Roy, whose organization is stepping up its efforts to make these funds better known. A second call is in progress.
fast pacing
The event must take place by December 31, 2022 and must not already be confirmed at the time of application submission. “The goal is to stimulate and encourage, in the short term, the organization of new events,” specifies Geneviève Roy.
All convention organizers, whether profit or non-profit organizations, cooperatives, communities or Aboriginal nations, can benefit from the FDTA. Organizers can apply if the total costs of the event are at least $50,000 (a moderate amount in the industry), and it generates 40 nights or more (regardless of their distribution). Expenses deemed eligible must represent at least 50% of the costs, and the maximum grant is $25,000, a really interesting boost for organizers.
“It’s not a loan”, underlines Mme Roy. Organizations can consult the online Applicant’s Guide for full details. However, interested organizers must hurry: they have until 1er March to send their request.
Relaunch the channel
The shutdown of business events has dealt a severe blow to several stakeholders. In fact, it is not just business people and employees who are affected by the crisis: “A whole chain of suppliers benefits from the economic spinoffs of a convention: rental of halls, audiovisual equipment, restaurateurs, hired speakers, technicians, hotel room rental, etc. “recalls M.me Roy.
Subsidizing the organization of a business event allows you to support the whole community and all the links in the chain. “Economic engines”, adds Mme Roy. The FDTA, she hopes, will be an attractive incentive for organizers who were hesitant to schedule an event.