Alberta’s vibrant tourism sector plays a crucial role in generating employment and driving economic prosperity across the province, reaching from small towns to Indigenous communities. To further strengthen this cornerstone of Alberta’s economy, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments to empower local tourism operators to seize new opportunities and attract more visitors.
In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, announced over $4 million in federal funding for 19 projects aimed at bolstering small- and medium-sized tourism operators across Alberta. This funding, provided on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, will energize the province’s tourism industry by enhancing accessibility, expanding seasonal offerings, and showcasing Alberta’s unique attractions.
Among the projects announced, Explore Edmonton will receive $500,000 to spotlight rodeo culture, rural prairie life, and authentic Indigenous experiences through Farmfair International and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley will receive $250,000 to introduce interactive exhibits, host a new annual dinosaur-themed event, and provide Indigenous-led excursions that immerse visitors in paleontology. Métis Crossing, located near Smoky Lake, will receive $500,000 to upgrade outdoor facilities, making their Indigenous tourism experiences accessible to visitors of all abilities. The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary will benefit from $100,000 to enhance its facilities and improve accessibility for all visitors. Meanwhile, the Badlands Amphitheatre in Drumheller will receive $500,000 to support year-round programming through facility upgrades at the Badlands Arts Centre.
Canada’s tourism sector is renowned for its diversity, offering inclusive employment opportunities for women, Indigenous people, racialized individuals, youth, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and newcomers. The investments announced today will foster economic reconciliation and small business growth within Alberta’s tourism industry. These investments are projected to create over 165 jobs and leverage an additional $2.8 million from other levels of government and industry partners. This initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, reaffirming a long-term commitment to collaborating with Prairie partners to create sustainable, well-paying jobs in an increasingly competitive global market.
