Two highly anticipated events scheduled to take place in Quesnel next year are receiving provincial funding.
B.C.’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport announced Thursday, Nov. 10 it has provided funding to approximately 100 organizations through its Tourism Events Program (TEP) to build the province’s reputation as an events destination and increase visitation.
The Quesnel Rodeo Club (QRC) and Quesnel Children’s Festival are both receiving $10,000.
“We’re thrilled,” said QRC president Ray Jasper. “It’s a big help for us.”
The funding, according to Jasper, will support marketing and video replay of the 2023 Gold City Classic.
Read More: 55th annual Quesnel Rodeo a sellout
In April 2022, the BC Government 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.
“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, in a news release. “This program allows organizers to raise awareness about their amazing events and inspires British Columbians and people from around the world to attend.”
The tourism sector generated $8.6 billion in provincial revenue in 2019, and $2.9 billion in 2020, despite the pandemic.
Read More: Quesnel Children’s Festival serves up free family fun
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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