PacifiCan announces over $4.8 million in funding to attract more visitors to B.C. and bring B.C. products to more markets around the world

Press Release

From: Pacific Economic Development Canada

March 5, 2025

The Government of Canada is investing in memorable outdoor and cultural experiences across the province, and providing additional support to help businesses diversify export markets

British Columbia is home to breathtaking natural attractions and outdoor recreation experiences that bring the world to our doorstep. Tourism is important to Canada’s economy and creates good jobs in communities, from major city centres to rural and remote areas, to Indigenous communities. Across British Columbia, tourism business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs have ambitious plans and PacifiCan is here to support those ambitions. B.C. is also home to ambitious entrepreneurs who are looking to bring B.C. to the world by diversifying their export markets around the world. This is especially important in today’s changing global economy.

Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $4.3 million in PacifiCan funding for 24 organizations to enhance local attractions and bring more visitors to communities across B.C. These projects will strengthen local economies and showcase B.C.’s rich culture, Indigenous history, and beautiful landscape with memorable experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy right here in B.C. Minister Sajjan also announced $500,000 for the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade to help more businesses diversify their sales to new export markets through the Trade Accelerator Program.

As part of today’s announcement, Destination BC will receive $250,000 to launch a global market development program, helping B.C.’s tourism operators attract more international visitors. This initiative will connect local businesses with global travel trade specialists, bringing more visitors to communities across our province and strengthening B.C.’s tourism industry.

Redd Fish Restoration Society will receive $250,000 to create an interactive, interpretive centre in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island. This immersive experience will educate visitors about the region’s watershed and old-growth ecosystems through dynamic exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on conservation activities, promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.

The Gitanyow Huwilp Society will receive $250,000 to advance the creation of the Gitanyow Reconciliation Trail, a year-round hiking, riding, and sledding route that follows the historical Grease Trail in Northern B.C. This investment will help to establish Gitanyow traditional territory as a premier destination for active tourism and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Gitanyow Nation.

Today’s tourism investments are being made through the Tourism Growth Program. More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder here.

Quotes

“British Columbia is home to world-class tourism attractions and entrepreneurs with ambitious plans to welcome visitors to B.C. and bring more B.C. products to international markets. With spring break around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore all that B.C. has to offer. And with the opportunities in our global marketplace, now is the time to bring more of B.C. to the world. PacifiCan is proud to support initiatives that showcase our region’s rich cultural heritage, drive economic growth, boost exports and create good jobs in our communities.”

-The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“British Columbia, with its ancient rainforests, bustling cities, and awe-inspiring mountains, is a premier destination for unforgettable adventures that rejuvenate the spirit. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting a variety of tourism organizations across the province. As we continue to invest in the tourism industry, including Indigenous businesses, we are helping preserve the region’s natural wonders and encouraging strong connections with its cultures and communities.”

-The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, acting Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of

Quebec

“The travel trade plays a key role in converting global interest in British Columbia into bookings that directly support export-ready businesses in every corner of the province, while helping visitors experience all that BC has to offer. This new PacifiCan funding will allow Destination BC to strengthen connections between our tourism operators and global travel trade specialists, bringing more visitors to more communities, creating jobs, and driving long-term growth for BC’s visitor economy.”

-Meredith Moll, Director of Partner and Market Development, Destination BC

“This investment marks a key milestone in developing a sustainable tourism industry that honors Gitanyow’s culture, empowers our people, and strengthens our economy. With this support, we can create authentic experiences that showcase our heritage while ensuring long-term benefits for our community and future generations.”

-Joel Starlund/Sk’a’nism Tsa ‘Win’Giit, Gitanyow Huwilp Society

We are deeply grateful for the support of the Tourism Growth Program, which is helping turn this 30-year dream into reality. The wheels are in motion to establish British Columbia’s first-ever habitat restoration interpretive centre. In collaboration with local nuučaanuł communities, artists, community groups, and knowledge holders, we look forward to bringing this visionary project to life.

-Megan Francis, Director of Outreach and Education, Redd Fish Restoration Society

“Trade diversification is more important than ever. The Trade Accelerator Program equips small and medium sized businesses with the knowledge, networks, and strategies needed to break into high-growth international markets. Today’s announcement will drive innovation, attract investment, and strengthen our local economy at a critical time for B.C. businesses as they seek opportunities beyond our borders to diversify their exports.”

-Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Quick facts

PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.
The Tourism Growth Program is a key component of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.
Through this $108 million national program, the Government of Canada is investing $14 million in British Columbia to help small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities, including Indigenous communities, develop local tourism attractions and experiences that make Canada a destination of choice. Funding is a mix of repayable loans for commercial projects and non-repayable funding for projects supporting the tourism ecosystem.
In B.C., tourism employs over 125,000 people. Over 16,800 tourism-related businesses operate in the province.
In 2023, the B.C. tourism industry generated $22.1 billion in revenue.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is a leading business association, representing a third of B.C.’s workforce. It advocates for businesses, influences public policy, and supports members with networking and professional development. Its subsidiary, World Trade Centre Vancouver, will deliver TAP to B.C. businesses through this project.