NWT tourism operators who have spent the Covid-19 support offered under federal programs for the North can apply to the GNWT for renewed funding.
Eligible operators who received non-repayable grants from the Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF) and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will be able to claim up to $50,000 for expenses which can include rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance and subscriptions, such as financial or booking systems.
Operators can apply to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) to cover those fixed costs set out under the NBRF, ITI said in a news release Thursday.
This is a one-time pot of funding is aimed at helping companies through to April 1, 2021 when new government supports are expected to become available.
Expenses already covered by federal payments under the NBRF and the RRRF will not be eligible.
“The travel, tourism and accommodations sectors have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” said ITI Minister Caroline Wawzonek. “In the absence of travellers or visitors to our territory, these 'sectors at risk' have relied heavily on federal relief packages. As these funds are exhausted, we are stepping up our support of NWT tourism operators in the short term, until additional relief and recovery efforts can be finalized and put in place.”
Eligible operators should contact their regional ITI tourism development officer.