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Cultural tourism events to get government money

'Cultural tourism events strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our communities'
170817 5 A young fan dressed to see Motus at Summer in the Park. Photo by Brenda Turl for BayToday.
The theatre group Motus at Summer in the Park. Photo by Brenda Turl for BayToday.

The Province says it intends to spend almost $2 million in cultural tourism events to help drive tourism spending in Ontario communities.

The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund has selected 28 cultural tourism events says a news release.

Successful recipients will begin to be notified as of today.

"Cultural tourism events strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our communities," said Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "This support will help arts, culture and heritage organizations create new experiences that will help keep our province open for business and open for jobs by making Ontario a more attractive place to visit."

Cultural tourism events that receive support from the fund range from large exhibitions, festivals and anniversaries to smaller events that celebrate local culture and heritage and have a big impact in small communities.

"OCAF is thrilled to be a partner by supporting marketing campaigns that will bring tourists to large and small communities across the province," said John McKellar, Chair.

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund investments are partially repayable loans. This means that repayments replenish the Fund and allow OCAF to invest in more projects.

In 2016, 12.9 million visitors participated in cultural activities in Ontario and spent a total of $7.7 billion on the trips that brought them to the province.

Culture is one of Ontario’s fastest growing sectors, says the release, employing over 270,000 people and contributing over $25 billion annually to Ontario’s economy.