Attractions Get Support to Anchor Their Communities
More than 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in B.C. will receive direct support for their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thompson Okanagan recipients include:
Kamloops Art Gallery - Kamloops
Thompson Valley Charters Ltd.- Kamloops
Big White Ski Resort Ltd - Kelowna
Bluestar Coach Lines - Kelowna
Energyplex Family Recreation Centre Kelowna Inc.-Kelowna
Sky Trek Adventure Park Ltd. - Malakwa
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. - Penticton
Penticton Art Gallery - Penticton
S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society - Penticton
Top Cat Tours Ltd. - Penticton
Kettle Valley Railway Society - Summerland
A1 Bus Ltd. - Vernon
Splashdown Vernon - Vernon
Vernon Science & Discovery Society - Vernon
Splash ON Water Parks Ltd. - West Kelowna
“Today is an exciting day for our major anchor attractions that, because of the restrictions that have been in place throughout the pandemic, made sacrifices to keep us all safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The sector called on government to provide grants, not loans, and we worked with tourism sector leaders to make sure these vital businesses and non-profits can continue to employ residents and draw visitors to attractions throughout B.C.”
B.C.’s anchor attractions play an important role in B.C.’s economy by drawing visitors to communities and supporting local small businesses throughout the province. Tour bus companies are a key link to bring travellers to many of the regional destinations, attractions and experiences.
The Major Anchor Attractions Program, first announced in May 2021, was one of the seven calls to action from the Tourism Task Force. Grants of up to $1 million will be provided to both businesses and not-for-profits, including:
23 urban anchor attractions;
34 rural anchor attractions; and
26 tour bus operators.
Organizations can use the grants to pay for rent and utilities, payroll and costs related to restarting or ramping up operations and other business expenses that will help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic. For example, Richmond Night Market will use its $1-million grant to help it maintain its role as a significant attraction in the City of Richmond.
Since the start of the pandemic, the B.C. government has worked with industry to provide relief and support. In addition to the Major Anchors Attraction Program, the Province has provided the following:
A $100-million tourism-specific stream under the Small and Medium Size Business Recovery Grant program.
$5 million was allocated in dedicated relief funding delivered by Indigenous Tourism BC for Indigenous tourism businesses.
$53 million has been invested in community-based tourism infrastructure and destination development to help tourism in B.C. recover, create jobs and spur economic development.
The Province partnered with go2HR to design a COVID-19 safety certificate course for the tourism and hospitality workforce.
Budget 2021 includes an additional $50 million in to support tourism recovery and $20 million for community-based tourism infrastructure.
For a complete list of supports, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan-boosts-bc-tourism-industry
Quick Facts:
Applications for the Major Anchor Attractions Program opened June 7, 2021.
Major anchor attractions in urban centres that receive 75,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $1 million.
Major anchor attractions in rural areas that receive 15,000 or more visitors per year were eligible for up to $500,000.
Tour bus companies that serve 30,000 or more passengers per year were eligible for up to $500,000.
A total of $36.3 million was allocated to grant recipients throughout the province.
Learn More:
For a list of BC Major Anchor Attractions recipients by region, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/7-23_BCMAA.pdf