Tourism Development Fund Launches Thanks to Municipal Accommodation Tax Revenue

The City of Greater Sudbury and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) are working together to launch a Tourism Development Fund with up to $1 million available for investment into private sector, public sector and non-profit proposals to increase visitation and overnight stays in the community. Revenue from the local Municipal Accommodation Tax has been building the investment fund since 2018.

“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. “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 GSDC Tourism Development Committee will immediately begin accepting applications from local tourism operators with the support of the City’s Economic Development staff. When awarding proposals, they will consider opportunities to leverage funding from federal and provincial governments, as well as visitor experience and product development to increase numbers and length of stay.

 “We know this economic shutdown is hard for everyone, personally and professionally,” said Andrée Lacroix, Chair of the GSDC Board. “As economic recovery efforts and resources are being announced regularly by federal and provincial governments, the GSDC Board is excited to be able to invest back into our tourism sector and focus on the future. Now is the time to stay strong and to support the unwavering resilience of our community.”

The Tourism Development Committee is comprised of industry stakeholders who are working with members of the Hospitality and Accommodation Association of Sudbury as well as representatives from local retail and attraction sectors. Its tourism strategy includes creation of a fund utilizing a portion of the revenues from the Municipal Accommodation Tax for industry marketing and product development.

“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. “We encourage all of our partners in the industry, large and small, to explore their eligibility for funding assistance.”

Information is available online at investsudbury.ca/tdf and by email at gsdc@greatersudbury.ca

About the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation:

The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor, and supported by City staff. 

Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.

-30-