SUDBURY -- In partnership with the Greater Sudbury Development Corp., the city has launched a new fund intended to boost tourism in Greater Sudbury.
The fund will make $1 million available for investment into private- and public-sector proposals, as well as non-profit ideas that aim to increase visitation and overnight stays in the community.
Since 2018, revenue from the hotel room tax – formally known as the Greater Sudbury's Municipal Accommodation Tax -- has been building in the city's investment fund.
The GSDC is an 18-member volunteer board that operates as the economic development wing of Greater Sudbury.
"Although we’re currently on pause for vacations and travel, when life returns to normal, our tourism sector will be ready to help restart the economy," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger in the statement.
"Greater Sudbury already has one of the most successful tourism industries in northern Ontario. The Tourism Development Fund will help leverage proposals that promote and grow our community’s outdoor amenities, attractions and cultural offerings."
The tourism development committee, which is comprised of industry stakeholders, are now starting to accept applications from local tourism operators and will work in conjunction with the city's economic development staff.
The statement said the committee will work closely with the Hospitality Accommodations Association of Sudbury in addition to local retailers and companies from within the local attraction sector.
"The Tourism Development Fund is intended for both strategic investments to expand the industry and for local supports to help our tourism operators prepare for the return of vacationers and overnight visitors," said Peter Nykilchuk, chair of the tourism development committee in the statement.
"We encourage all of our partners in the industry, large and small, to explore their eligibility for funding assistance."
