$1M in support is on its way to help Niagara's struggling tourism industry.
Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod, along with Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff announced the funding this afternoon as part of a 13-million dollar commitment provide-wide.
Oosterhoff tells CKTB the funding will go into a locally driven campaigns encouraging people to enjoy attractions close to home.
He says Niagara has a high unemployment rate during the pandemic and workers need to get back to their jobs, including in the tourism sector.
Close to 10-thousand Niagara residents lost their jobs between April and mid-May, with three quarters of those workers in the service and tourism industry.
Oosterhoff the campaign will encourage local residents to support their neighbours by enjoying all that the region has to offer.
"The funding is part of an effort by the provincial and federal governments to encourage homegrown tourism and talent," said Minister MacLeod.
"As our government moves forward with the reopening the province, we are proud to invest $7 million through Destination Ontario to support local marketing initiatives that will help to set communities across the province and the tourism industry on a path to recovery."
"I am pleased to see Minister MacLeod recognize the importance of tourism in the Niagara Region, and I am confident that we will recover from COVID-19 stronger than ever. The people of Niagara are resilient, and hardworking, and we will get through this together," said MPP Oosterhoff.
"This includes $1 million in support for the tourism sector in Niagara, the crown jewel of destination travel in the province."
The province has also announced the launch of Ontario Live — a new virtual hub designed to promote and support businesses in the tourism, sport, and creative sectors.
The new virtual hub reconnects Ontario artists, tourism operators, attractions and businesses with online audiences from across the province and around the world.
Ontario artists, operators, attractions and businesses are encouraged to register now on www.Ontario.Live for the opportunity to connect with online audiences.