Tourism grants fund almost 100 B.C. events,
including Gonzo Okanagan Music Industry Golf Tournament and Festival
The Province has provided funding to approximately 100 organizations through its Tourism Events Program (TEP) to build B.C.’s reputation as an events destination and increase visitation.
“B.C.’s many sports competitions, arts festivals and events are vital to our tourism sector and a thriving economy,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This program allows organizers to raise awareness about their amazing events and inspires British Columbians and people from around the world to attend.”
In April 2022, the Province announced $4.8 million for TEP, marking its return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TEP supports a wide range of tourism experiences, including arts, cultural or internationally recognized sporting competitions, bolstering awareness of events, attracting additional overnight visitors and increasing tourism benefits to communities.
Since 2016, the Province provided more than $18 million in TEP funding, which supported 317 events.
During the pandemic, the Province provided COVID-19 relief funding through the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events program, which provided nearly $30 million in support of 680 events throughout B.C.
TEP awards grant a maximum of $250,000 and are used for eligible activities that amplify the event’s provincial, national and international marketing reach.
“We are elated to welcome visitors from around the world at next year’s Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Festival,” said Jennifer Money, president, Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society. “Our festival showcases and honours Indigenous musicians, artists and Knowledge-carriers, and revitalizes Indigenous culture in an immersive and inclusive environment. The support of TEP has elevated our ability to share our message and invitation to celebration with an international audience.”
The tourism sector stimulated job creation and generated $8.6 billion in provincial revenue in 2019, and $2.9 billion in 2020, despite the pandemic.
A full list of Interior events receiving TEP funding is below:
Big White
- AltiTunes – $65,600
- Para Snowboard World Cup – $11,664
- Freeride Days – $15,150
Kamloops
- Scotties Tournament of Hearts – $75,000
- Special Olympics British Columbia Winter Games – $40,000
- Memorial Cup – $75,000
- BC International WC Tennis Tournament Tandem – $10,000
Kelowna
- Island Time – $35,000
- Gonzo Okanagan Music Industry Golf Tournament and Festival – $15,800
- Denim on the Diamond – $55,200
Merritt
- Bass Coast Festival – $200,000
- Merritt Rockin’ River Fest – $200,000
Penticton
- Ignite the Arts Festival – $10,000
- Penticton Scottish Festival Society – $10,000
Revelstoke
- Natural Selection Tour – $200,000
Salmo
- Shambhala Music Festival – $200,000
Salmon Arm
- Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival & 6th Annual Super Crawl – $99,800
SilverStar
- Share the Magic of Silver Star – $10,225
- SilverStar Bike Fest – $17,500
Sorrento
- Nimble Fingers Bluegrass and Oldtime Workshop and Festival – $14,178
Okanagan
- Expedition Canada 2023 – $10,220
Vernon
- Vernon Winter Carnival 2023 – $15,000
West Kelowna
- Okanagan Indigenous Music and Arts Society – $10,000
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
