Canada Indigenous Tourism Gets Big Nod for First Time in National Budget

The Canadian government released its 2022 budget this month and there's scant reference of the tourism sector — a single page out of a 304-page report. No extension of the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program either, which provided wage and rent subsidies to the sector. That's set to expire on May 7, despite the private sector's ask for ongoing support.

But some dashed industry expectations aside, there's reason for optimism, according to Canada's tourism leaders. The sector will receive $1 billion for 2022-2023, similar to last year’s budget. The government will develop a new national tourism growth strategy, in collaboration with the industry. And last but not least, Canada's Indigenous tourism sector will receive $20 million in a first-ever dedicated Indigenous Tourism Fund, plus $4.8 million to support the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada