The federal government is putting up funding for tourism operators and associations through Cape Breton and the Northeastern region of the province due to COVID-19.
The $1,778,628 is part of $16 million to support the tourism industry across Atlantic Canada announced by Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Mélanie Joly in Moncton Tuesday.
Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway says it’s important to support the industry now, and into the future.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the economy and will certainly have an impact on our coveted tourism industry,” he says. “The funding announced today will help local organizations keep their doors open and help strengthen our economy.”
Kelloway says we don’t have access to our typical visitors because of border closures and travel restrictions due to the virus.
He says there is an opportunity with restrictions inside the province being reduced.
“I hope we can welcome more and more Nova Scotian’s to Cape Breton-Canso for staycations this season,” he says. “We’re getting through this together day by day and I’m confident we’ll come out of this stronger.”
Kelloway says the funding will not only to help operators recover from the impact of COVID-19, but also help develop local tourism to attract more visitors in coming years.
A release says supported groups include the Celtic Colours Festival Society, Ceilidh Trails Groomers Association, Celtic Music Interpretive Centre Society, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail Association, and Synergy Louisbourg Development Society.
