MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO HELP PROMOTE CONVENTIONS IN ONTARIO
Funding To Help Province Attract More Convention Business

 

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is helping to promote Ontario as a top business and tourism destination by creating a $2 million Convention Development Fund to help cities attract new national and international conventions and conferences, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.

London, Windsor, Hamilton and Ottawa will each receive up to $250,000 to support their business development efforts.

The City of Toronto will receive up to $1 million from the fund.

The Convention Development Fund is part of the government’s $190 million economic stimulus package, designed to create jobs and boost economic prosperity in communities across the province. The fund is based on matching funds and also supports convention development efforts in other Ontario cities.

“ Conventions contribute millions of dollars to Ontario’s economy every year, creating jobs and stimulating our tourism industry, ” said Bradley. “The Ontario government is pleased to support the growth of tourism in the province with this grant to secure new convention business.”

Meetings and conventions have a significant impact on Ontario’s tourism industry. Spending by business convention visitors in Ontario in 2004 reached $779 million. The average convention attendee spent $598 per visit, 312% more than what is spent by the average visitor to Ontario.

“We are thrilled that the Ontario government recognizes the positive economic impact of conventions and appreciate the support in helping us promote the city, the GTA region and our province as a great place to do business,” said Bill Allen, President, Tourism Toronto.

“The convention development program is an important tool in this extremely competitive marketplace. It is a great example of the provincial government working in partnership with the private sector,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO, Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have helped strengthen Ontario's economic foundations and continue to build opportunity.

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Contacts:
David Oved, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391

Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391