First snow Morning at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, one of Alberta's most popular tourism destinations. (Photo 141256935 / Alberta © Michal Balada | Dreamstime.com)

By Chris Brown

Feds give $17.8 million to Alberta’s tourism sector

Feb 27, 2023 | 11:25 AM

The federal government is providing nearly $18 million to tourism-focused projects across Alberta.

The money will be split between 50 initiatives for communities, attractions, hospitality businesses, museums and events, says the government. The money comes from PrairiesCan under the Tourism Relief Fund.

Travel Alberta is receiving the largest chunk of the funding. It will get $3.25 million to create regional destination development plans focused on increasing visitation to diverse tourism destinations in Alberta that have capacity for more visitors.

Other projects include $525,000 for the Alberta Small Brewers Association to build The Alberta Ale Trail, a self-guided tour network that will increase awareness of and visitation to breweries in urban and rural locations across Alberta, and $500,000 for Skyridge Glamping Ltd. to launch a brand new year-round dome glamping experience in Kananaskis.

“Today’s announcement is more good news for Alberta’s tourism sector,” says Todd Loewen, Alberta’s minister of forestry, parks and tourism. “This new funding augments robust investment that the Alberta Government has already made to support the recovery, growth and long-term prosperity of our visitor economy. Tourism generates jobs for Albertans and economic opportunity throughout province. Support from all levels of government is instrumental in ensuring future success in this area.”

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In total, the $17.8 million for the projects is expected to help support more than 2,800 jobs across the province.