Manitoba investing $8M to help hospitality industry

The Manitoba government is investing $8 million for the creation of a new Hospitality Relief Sector Program to provide financial relief to Manitoba’s accommodation and tourism sector, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“Manitoba’s tourism sector – a key contributor to the province’s economy – has been significantly impacted by a reduction in domestic and international travel and other restrictions that were necessary to protect Manitobans and all Canadians from the spread of COVID-19,” said Pallister. “We recognize that these businesses have made significant sacrifices in order to protect their community. We are committed to helping them through this challenging and unpredictable time and to help position them for recovery.”

The new Hospitality Relief Sector Program, to be administered by the Manitoba Hotel Association and the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, will provide funding to hotels and full-time licenced resource tourism operators for fixed costs that have not been covered by other relief programs such as:
• property insurance,
• mortgage interest,
• property taxes,
• land leases,
• service fees,
• maintenance of camps, and
• resource retention costs.

Grants will be provided as a reimbursement for a percentage of eligible expenses incurred.

“This funding will provide a much-needed lifeline for the Lodges and Outfitters of Manitoba,” said DJ Seales, president, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA). “With the nature of this industry, many are facing a second year of no business due to the border being closed. MLOA would like to thank the province for partnering with and supporting these businesses and this industry during these uncertain times.”

More information on the Hospitality Relief Sector Program and how to apply will be available for eligible applicants shortly.

“We thank the government for recognizing that hotels have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that we need help,” said Scott Jocelyn, president and CEO, Manitoba Hotel Association. “This program will be provide much-needed assistance for the hotel industry, which has been one of the most impacted industries, and will be one of the last to recover.”

To date, the province has committed $490 million in support programs to businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the recently expanded Manitoba Bridge Grant program, which provides up to $15,000 in direct financial support to businesses, non-profits and charities impacted by code level red restrictions. To date, approximately $205 million has been paid out to over 14,000 eligible applicants. Approximately $178 million has been provided to more than 11,700 storefront businesses and organizations, and $26 million to more than 2,500 home-based businesses.
 
“Our government will continue to work side-by-side with all Manitoba businesses to help them do what they do best – employ Manitobans and offer services Manitobans rely on,” Pallister added. ”But we know many businesses have not been able to do that as result of public health restrictions, which is why we are proud to offer some of the most generous support programs in the country.”

Manitobans can learn more about COVID-19 supports for businesses at:
https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness.

(Province of MB News Release)