OTTAWA, April 2, 2024 — Ottawa Tourism has launched the Tourism Accessibility Fund to provide funding to eligible visitor-facing businesses to improve the accessibility of their visitor experience. Aligned with Ottawa’s Destination Stewardship Plan, the Tourism Accessibility Fund is a pilot funding program that aims to address specific gaps in the destination’s visitor experience and increase its accessibility. The application-based program will allow businesses to upgrade their built environment and create a more welcoming destination experience for all.
Ottawa-based tourism-related businesses who are members of Ottawa Tourism can apply for the Tourism Accessibility Fund’s one-time, non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 for small-scale projects, or up to $25,000 for larger-scale projects that improve or retrofit the accessibility of their facilities. Applications will be open from Tuesday, April 2 to Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for all projects, which must be completed by September 30, 2024.
“We have a lot to offer in our destination, from history and culture to food and nature, and we want to make sure everyone is able to enjoy it,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “With the launch of our Tourism Accessibility Fund, we are proud to take strides towards improved inclusivity, recognizing that every traveler should have the opportunity to fully experience the beauty we offer. Through this initiative, we extend a helping hand to businesses, fostering a more welcoming environment for visitors with disabilities, and enriching our community's tourism landscape.”
Interested businesses can view the Tourism Accessibility Fund Program Details, including applicant, project, and expense eligibility. They can also email funding@ottawatourism.ca for any additional questions.
About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Before the pandemic, the industry welcomed an estimated 11 million visitors annually and generated $3 billion in economic output.
For more information, please contact:
Jérôme Miousse
Director, Public Affairs
corporate@ottawatourism.ca
