Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Marquee Tourism Events Program provided $100 million in temporary two-year funding for Canadian tourism events and marketing initiatives.
The Program granted $3 million to Stratford’s Shakespeare Festival for 2009 and a further $3 million for 2010. The Festival used the funds to carry out focused marketing in select international markets. This had an immediate impact. It provided a much needed boost to the Festival, benefitting the community and surrounding area.
Ticket sales increased in spring 2009 and continued to build to almost record-breaking levels. It is estimated that in the first year, the Shakespeare Festival’s additional ticket sales generated $23.4 million in economic activity and $12.1 million in taxes.
The Marquee Tourism Events Program helped tourism events across Canada over the past two years. This support contributed to the long-term growth of Canada's economy by attracting more tourists from within and outside Canada. These investments will generate increased tourism revenues for years to come.
Visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program webpage to learn more.
To learn more about EAP projects visit the Projects Map.
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