Tourism Nanaimo Provides Fund Grants

Tourism Development Fund Grants

Tourism Nanaimo has disbursed $38,000 from it's Tourism Development Fund to three different organizations. The Nanaimo Boathouse Society was awarded $13,000, the Nanaimo Region Rail Trail Partnership $20,000 and First Nations coming Togehter Soccer Tournament $5,000.

The $125,000 Tourism Development Fund established earlier this year to help grow tourism products in the community. Eligible projects must drive increased overnight visitation to Nanaimo & Region with a tie back to the Tourism Strategic Plan. 

“The Nanaimo Boathouse Society is very pleased to receive these funds towards a feasibility study for our proposed Nanaimo Boathouse and Paddling Centre.  We believe this initiative will support sport tourism in Nanaimo and the mid-island region,” says Camela Tang, President of the Nanaimo Boathouse Society.

The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre and First Nations Coming Together Tournament Host received $5,000 toward hosting their event.  "We are excited to bring a native soccer tournament back to Nanaimo with over 500 players spending three days here in the city," says Chris Beaton, Executive Director. "Tourism Nanaimo's support means in addition to hosting the tournament we can also involve the community through numerous volunteer opportunities."

“These funds allow our organization to get off the ground and gain momentum for the completion of the Rail Trail through our community,” says Nanaimo Region Rail Trail Partnership Director Mike Delves. 

“The Tourism Leadership Committee is very excited to make these grants available to the community to help grow the tourism product in our region” says Dan Brady, Chair of the Tourism Leadership Committee. 

The first intake grants were awarded in early October and the second application intake will close October 31.  Applications are available at www.tourismnanaimo.com.