Applications are now being accepted for the Tourism Development Fund, a new funding program to support efforts to grow tourism activity in the City of Cornwall.

The fund will provide support for festivals and events (new or existing), businesses and/or tourism attractions or products that demonstrate an ability to attract a significant number of visitors to Cornwall.

“The goal of the Tourism Development Fund will be to support events and initiatives that further develop and promote Cornwall’s tourism sector,” said Tim Mills, Chair of the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall, which will oversee the fund. “We look forward to seeing a variety of applications over the next few weeks and months.”

Applications to the fund will be assessed based on a number of factors such as an increase in tourism attendance, overnight stays and visitor spending, positive exposure for Cornwall, enhancement of Cornwall’s tourism offering, strengthening of Cornwall’s position as a visitor destination, and the like.

Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 in funding. Consideration may be given to projects requiring higher levels of funding in unique circumstances where the project stands to have a significant and measurable impact on tourism in Cornwall.

There will be a continual intake of applications for the fund, starting immediately. Application forms can be accessed and downloaded from CornwallTourism.com/TDF. Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Committee made up of community stakeholders who will make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall.

The Tourism Development Fund was created with revenues collected from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) in the City of Cornwall. The Tourism Development Corporation is a independent not-for-profit corporation that operates under a service agreement with the City of Cornwall. MAT revenues also support tourism marketing and visitor information services offered through Cornwall Tourism, a City department.

For additional information on the Tourism Development Fund and to access the application forms, please visit www.CornwallTourism.com/TDF.

Proponents with questions about the fund and the suitability of a project are also welcome to call Amy Malyon, Tourism Coordinator, at 613-930-2787 ext. 2285 or amalyon@cornwall.ca.