Tourism Sprint Program
Tourism Sprint Program
The Tourism Sprint Program (TSP) is a competitive, application-based, cost-sharing program that funds short-term projects focused on creating innovative tourism products and supporting new tourism investment. The program aims to quickly address barriers to investment through targeted funding over a limited project timeline to unlock broader tourism opportunities and enhance Canada’s competitive position in the global marketplace.
Program Update: The Tourism Sprint Program is not currently accepting Expressions of Interest. Future intakes will be announced on this site and through our newsletter. We encourage you to check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
The Tourism Sprint Program (TSP) is a competitive, application-based, cost-sharing program that funds short-term projects focused on creating innovative tourism products and supporting new tourism investment. The program aims to quickly address barriers to investment through targeted funding over a limited project timeline to unlock broader tourism opportunities and enhance Canada’s competitive position in the global marketplace.
Program Update: The Tourism Sprint Program is not currently accepting Expressions of Interest. Future intakes will be announced on this site and through our newsletter. We encourage you to check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
Objective
The TSP supports destination development by investing in projects that incent investment in demand-generating tourism assets, products, and experiences, and that align with existing strategic or master plans. The goal is to build a resilient, diversified, inclusive, and sustainable tourism economy across Canada.
Objective
The TSP supports destination development by investing in projects that incent investment in demand-generating tourism assets, products, and experiences, and that align with existing strategic or master plans. The goal is to build a resilient, diversified, inclusive, and sustainable tourism economy across Canada.
Who can apply?
The following groups are eligible to apply for funding under this program:
- Local, Regional, and Municipal Governments – Includes cities, towns, villages, regional districts, and provincial or territorial governments engaged in tourism-related initiatives.
- Indigenous Communities and Organizations – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and tourism-focused organizations.
- Not-for-Profit Organizations – Incorporated non-profits with a clear mandate to support, promote, or develop tourism.
- For-Profit Tourism Businesses and Organizations – Private sector entities whose primary operations deliver tourism products or services, such as accommodations, attractions, or tour operators.
Note to organizations located and operating in Quebec
Ministère du Conseil Exécutif (M-30)
The Quebec National Assembly adopted An Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30). The provisions of this Act include certain conditions on Quebec government bodies and certain other entities wanting to contract with the federal government. You may wish to consult the provisions of M-30 prior to submitting your application for funding to ensure compliance with the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30). Any entity that is subject to the Act is responsible for obtaining such authorization before signing any agreement with the Government of Canada.
Read all the details about the program in the FAQ section.
Who can apply?
The following groups are eligible to apply for funding under this program:
- Local, Regional, and Municipal Governments – Includes cities, towns, villages, regional districts, and provincial or territorial governments engaged in tourism-related initiatives.
- Indigenous Communities and Organizations – First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and tourism-focused organizations.
- Not-for-Profit Organizations – Incorporated non-profits with a clear mandate to support, promote, or develop tourism.
- For-Profit Tourism Businesses and Organizations – Private sector entities whose primary operations deliver tourism products or services, such as accommodations, attractions, or tour operators.
Note to organizations located and operating in Quebec
Ministère du Conseil Exécutif (M-30)
The Quebec National Assembly adopted An Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30). The provisions of this Act include certain conditions on Quebec government bodies and certain other entities wanting to contract with the federal government. You may wish to consult the provisions of M-30 prior to submitting your application for funding to ensure compliance with the Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30). Any entity that is subject to the Act is responsible for obtaining such authorization before signing any agreement with the Government of Canada.
Read all the details about the program in the FAQ section.
Application Process
Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before you can complete a full application, you must first submit an EOI to Destination Canada. This confirms whether your project and expenses are eligible.
Program Update: The Tourism Sprint Program is not currently accepting Expressions of Interest. Future intakes will be announced on this site and through our newsletter. We encourage you to check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
- Review the Program Guidelines and FAQ to ensure your project is a good fit and meets eligibility requirements.
Step 2 – Determine Funding Stream
The Tourism Sprint Program operates under two distinct funding streams. Based on your EOI, Destination Canada will advise which stream best matches your project’s delivery timeline and ability to expend funds:
- Stream 1 – 2025 Initiation: Suitable for high-readiness projects.
- Stream 2 – 2026 Initiation: Suitable for projects requiring more planning time.
Step 3 – Await Contact from Destination Canada
After receiving your EOI, a member of our Destination Development team will contact you with next steps and guidance on completing the full application form.
Step 4 – Submit Full Application
Full applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. PT on October 1, 2025.
For eligibility requirements, please read the FAQ section.
Application Process
Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before you can complete a full application, you must first submit an EOI to Destination Canada. This confirms whether your project and expenses are eligible.
Program Update: The Tourism Sprint Program is not currently accepting Expressions of Interest. Future intakes will be announced on this site and through our newsletter. We encourage you to check back regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
- Review the Program Guidelines and FAQ to ensure your project is a good fit and meets eligibility requirements.
Step 2 – Determine Funding Stream
The Tourism Sprint Program operates under two distinct funding streams. Based on your EOI, Destination Canada will advise which stream best matches your project’s delivery timeline and ability to expend funds:
- Stream 1 – 2025 Initiation: Suitable for high-readiness projects.
- Stream 2 – 2026 Initiation: Suitable for projects requiring more planning time.
Step 3 – Await Contact from Destination Canada
After receiving your EOI, a member of our Destination Development team will contact you with next steps and guidance on completing the full application form.
Step 4 – Submit Full Application
Full applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. PT on October 1, 2025.
For eligibility requirements, please read the FAQ section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Funding
The program will cover up to 50% of total eligible expenses, to a maximum of $25,000 per project.
Yes. The lead applicant must provide at least 10% of total project costs in cash. Additional contributions can be from project partners or in-kind support.
- 90% upon execution of the Partnering Agreement.
- 10% upon acceptance of the Final Report.
Eligibility & Priorities
Applicants must:
- Be Canada-based and incorporated or legislated, in existence for at least one year
- Have consulted with Destination Canada to confirm eligibility
- Hold a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant
- Be in good standing with all government funding agreements
- Be able to start within 30 days of notification and complete within one year
Projects must:
- Take place in Canada
- Have at least 10% cash contribution from the lead applicant
- Align with a strategic, master, or feasibility plan
- Be supported by the respective provincial/territorial ministry or marketing organization AND at least one local/regional municipality, Indigenous government, or recognized tourism organization (two letters of support required)
- Be well-developed, past the feasibility stage, and ready for strategic planning or investment preparation
Projects that:
- Develop innovative, purchasable tourism products in Canada
- Increase private sector tourism investment
- Diversify seasonality (off-season or year-round experiences)
- Create measurable economic and employment benefits
- Support Indigenous tourism
- Use regenerative tourism practices, especially in lower-traffic regions
Expenses
Examples include:
- Consulting fees and project management services (e.g., financial, environmental, market research)
- Professional services directly related to the project (e.g., architects, designers, sustainability experts)
- Other reasonable, approved costs directly attributable to the project
Examples include:
- Capital costs (equipment, vehicles, land, materials)
- General operating costs (salaries, rent, utilities)
- Marketing costs (advertising, websites, branding)
- Travel, hospitality, and incidental expenses
- Food, alcohol, cannabis-related costs
Application Process & Reporting
Applications are reviewed for eligibility, alignment with priorities, and against the evaluation criteria. Funding is competitive and not guaranteed.
Projects are scored on criteria including innovation, investment leverage, seasonality diversification, economic impact, Indigenous tourism support, regenerative practices, partnerships, budget feasibility, alignment with DC strategies, and organizational capacity.
Recipients must submit:
- A mid-term progress report
- A final report detailing outcomes, financial accountability, and alignment with objectives
- Additional reports may be requested for audit or evaluation purposes
Supported Projects
The June Motel: The June PEC Expansion Readiness Project
Heiltsuk Tribal Council: Q̓átuw̓alas (Visitor & Cultural Centre) Design
Main Brook Research and Development: Site Assessment and Design Costs
Kamloops Airport Authority: Air Access Growth & Development Strategy
Kamu Sauna Ltd.: Community Sauna as Third Space: A Regenerative Tourism Model for the East Kootenays
Charmed Resort: Charmed Resorts Environmental Study for Expansion in Crowsnest Pass
County of Hastings: Development of a business case for a new hotel in rural Hastings County
HFN Hospitality LP: Tourism Development Strategy, Bamfield Region
Thrive Tours Inc.: Gichigami Night Walk Planning and Investment Readiness
Wentworth Valley Developments Limited: Accommodations Market Study
Spirit of the West Adventures Ltd.: Remote Glamping Camp Planning and Development
Repentigny Hotel and Convention Centre Development: Phase II – Commercial, Financial and Strategic Planning for the Hotel and Convention Centre Project
Les Pays-d'en-Haut Regional County Municipality: Tourism Expansion at Princess Park: Consulting and Design Services
Town of Coronach: Accommodations Business Case
Northern BC Tourism Association: Regional Market Demand Study for Alternative Accommodation in Northern British Columbia