Destination Canada — Tourism Sprint Program

Program Description

The Tourism Sprint Program is a competitive cost-sharing program that covers up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $25,000 per project, for short-term projects that build investment readiness for new tourism products and experiences. It funds planning work — business cases, market demand studies, site assessments, financial modelling — not construction or equipment. Eligible applicants are local, regional and municipal governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, incorporated not-for-profits with a tourism mandate, and for-profit tourism businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

• Local, regional and municipal governments may apply, including cities, towns, villages, regional districts, and provincial or territorial governments engaged in tourism-related initiatives.
• Indigenous communities and organizations may apply — First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, communities, and tourism-focused organizations.
• Incorporated not-for-profit organizations with a clear mandate to support, promote or develop tourism may apply.
• For-profit tourism businesses and organizations may apply — private sector entities whose primary operations deliver tourism products or services, such as accommodations, attractions or tour operators.
• Applicants must be Canada-based, incorporated or legislated entities, in existence for a minimum of one year or more as of the application deadline. This includes entities established by or under legislation, federally or provincially incorporated entities, and band councils as defined under the Indian Act.
• Applicants must have consulted with Destination Canada to confirm project and expense eligibility before applying, by submitting an Expression of Interest.
• Applicants must have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applying organization, at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Canada.
• Applicants must not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Canada or of a provincial or territorial government.
• Applicants must be able to begin the project within 30 days of notification.
• The organization that applies must also be the organization that incurs and pays the project expenses and reports back to Destination Canada.
• Projects must occur in Canada and be substantially complete within one year of project approval.
• The lead applicant must contribute a minimum of 10% of total project cost in cash.
• Projects must demonstrate alignment with an existing strategic plan, master plan, feasibility study or similar plan.
• Projects must be supported by the respective provincial or territorial ministry or marketing organization AND one of: a local or regional municipality, a provincial or territorial government, an Indigenous government or governing organization, or an established tourism organization — demonstrated through two letters of support.
• Projects must reflect a well-developed and substantiated concept that has surpassed the feasibility stage and is ready for strategic planning or investment preparation.
• Organizations located and operating in Quebec should review the provisions of the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30), which imposes conditions on certain Quebec entities contracting with the federal government; any entity subject to the Act must obtain authorization before signing an agreement with the Government of Canada.