Investing In Cultural Tourism Across Ontario

News.ontario.ca
May 24, 2019

Ontario's government for the people is working to drive local tourism and create jobs by investing more than $1.7 million in cultural tourism events that will help drive tourism spending in communities across the province.

Through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF), the province is supporting 28 cultural tourism events that will stimulate the economy and create local jobs, help attract tourists and increase revenue.

"Cultural tourism events strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our communities," said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "This support will help arts, culture and heritage organizations create new experiences that will help keep our province open for business and open for jobs by making Ontario a more attractive place to visit."

Cultural tourism events that receive support from the fund range from large exhibitions, festivals and anniversaries to smaller events that celebrate local culture and heritage and have a big impact in small communities.

"Ontario is bursting with events, festivals and major exhibitions; it is truly a feast for residents and visitors alike!" said John McKellar, Chair and President. "OCAF is thrilled to be a partner by supporting marketing campaigns that will bring tourists to large and small communities across the province. OCAF is a unique program investing in extraordinary events that create jobs and resources for Ontario communities."

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund investments are partially repayable loans. This means that repayments replenish the Fund and allow OCAF to invest in even more projects.

Successful recipients will begin to be notified as of today.

Quick Facts

• In 2016, 12.9 million visitors participated in cultural activities in Ontario and spent a total of $7.7 billion on the trips that brought them to the province.
• OCAF has been investing in cultural tourism for 20 years. Since 1999, events supported by OCAF have attracted over 70 million visitors and generated over $235 million in earned revenues.
• Culture is one of Ontario’s fastest growing sectors, employing over 270,000 people and contributing over $25 billion annually to Ontario’s economy.