Financial resources for tourism businesses: COVID‑19

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Resources for Canadian businesses

Managing your business during the COVID-19 outbreak

Find out about financial supports available to tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Government announces targeted COVID-19 support measures to create jobs and growth

Supporting the recovery of Canada's tourism sector

Tourism Relief Fund

The Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) will help tourism businesses and organizations:

  • adapt their operations to meet public health requirements
  • improve their products and services
  • position themselves for post-pandemic economic recovery

A minimum of $50 million of the TRF will specifically support Indigenous tourism initiatives. For more information and to apply, contact your regional development agency.

Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)

Tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation business, charity, and non-profit organizations in Canada who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or business and organizations affected by a qualifying public health restriction, may be eligible for a wage subsidy, a rent subsidy, or both through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program.

Also through the THRP, the Local Lockdown Program is a way businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support.

Sectoral Initiatives Program (SIP) — tourism and hospitality

The Sectoral Initiatives Program supports Canada's tourism and hospitality sector by helping employers and industry stakeholders to attract and retain skilled workers, building capacity through training and resources, and removing barriers for groups – including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ2 Canadians – that continue to be under-represented in the labour market. Projects may also provide training opportunities to workers who have been displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic and work to stimulate the economy in Indigenous communities.

Payroll assistance

  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) covers 75% of an employee's wages — up to $847 per week.
    • Update: The government is proposing to continue COVID-19 business support programs until May 2022 for organizations hit hardest since the start of the pandemic or most affected by public health restrictions.

Rent assistance

  • The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses to small businesses and not-for-profits. Organizations that have been significantly restricted by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority can also receive an additional 25% as part of the lockdown support.

Support for employed and self-employed individuals

  • The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) provides income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions.
  • The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) supports employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care.
    • Update: The CRCB is extending until November 20, 2021. The government is also proposing a further extension of this benefit until May 7, 2022 with an increase to the maximum number of weeks.
  • The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) supports employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
    • Update: The CRSB is extending until November 20, 2021. The government is also proposing a further extension of this benefit until May 7, 2022 with an increase to the maximum number of weeks.

Access to credit

Large employers

Regional assistance

Canada's seven regional development agencies (RDA) are taking a leading role in implementing measures to help businesses and individuals in communities across the country. RDAs are providing as much flexibility as possible to their current recipients while offering additional support through existing funding.

Contact your regional development agency for more information:

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