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Tourism grants fund local events
The B.C. government has provided funding to approximately 100 organizations, including five regionally, through its Tourism Events Program (TEP).
In April 2022, the province announced $4.8 million for TEP, marking its return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TEP supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of events, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities.
Local events receiving funds includes: Cranbrook’s 2023 Sam Steele Days ($10,000); the 2023 Just Liquid Wasa Lake Triathlon ($10,000); Kimberley’s JulyFest 2023 ($10,000); Kimberley 2023 Western Canadian Cross Country Skiing Championships ($12,000); and Golden’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 2023 Freeride World Tour ($89,600).
TEP awards grant a maximum of $250,000 and are used for eligible activities that amplify the event’s provincial, national and international marketing reach.
“B.C.’s many sports competitions, arts festivals and events are vital to our tourism sector and a thriving economy,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This program allows organizers to raise awareness about their amazing events and inspires British Columbians and people from around the world to attend.”
Since 2016, the province provided more than $18 million in TEP funding, which supported 317 events.
During the pandemic, the province provided COVID-19 relief funding through the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events program, which provided nearly $30 million in support of 680 events throughout B.C.
TEP funding supports events between October 2022 and September 2023.
Funds must be used to broaden the marketing reach of an event by providing supplemental marketing activities that go beyond what has been planned and budgeted by event organizers.
Lead image: Sam Steele Days 2022. e-KNOW file photo
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