The City of Barrie is collaborating with Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7), Grey County, Simcoe County and the City of Orillia to administer the COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund to tourism operators in Barrie and the surrounding regions of Grey and Simcoe Counties.
The fund provides a non-repayable contribution ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
The intention of this fund is to help offset the high cost for tourism operators of adapting to changing health and safety requirements and prioritizing safety during the pandemic.
Examples of adaptation are the addition or expansion of patios at restaurants, the plexiglass barriers at counters or between tables, touchless payment systems, reservation systems, sanitization stations, COVID sanitizer fogging equipment and others.
To be eligible, businesses must be a small-to medium-sized enterprise (1-99 employees) or a not-for-profit enterprise and/or Indigenous organization/community, and must qualify as one of the following types of tourism operators:
- Accommodation (hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds and recreational vehicle facilities)
- Recreation and entertainment (zoos, museums, theatres, sports facilities, amusement parks, government parks, heritage sites, hunting, fishing or outdoor adventure outfitters, casinos)
- Food and beverage services (restaurants from fast service to fine dining, as well as pubs, nightclubs, cruise ships and convention centres)
- Travel service (retail travel agencies, wholesale tour companies, corporate offices with their own booking divisions)
- Transportation (companies that provide transport by air, land or water, and include airlines, bus companies, taxi companies, ferry services and cruise ships)
- Not-for-profit enterprises and Indigenous organizations/communities that support tourists
- Retail stores heavily dependent on tourism may also be considered
Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2021.
Businesses can learn more about the eligibility requirements and download the application form on the RTO7 website.
Financial support now available for local tourism operators impacted by COVID-19. Eligibility extends to restaurants, accommodations, select retail & others. Learn more: https://t.co/0owdsMpF67 #Barrie @RTO7Connection @GreyCounty @simcoecounty @cityoforillia pic.twitter.com/IEtEeQFwrR
— The City of Barrie (@cityofbarrie) January 7, 2021