News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

December 16, 2016

Province Announces Recipients of STAR Attractions STAR Celebrations Enhancement Grant Program

– – –
Seven Community Experiences Awarded, Additional Funding Available for Application until Dec. 31: Cullen

The Manitoba government has awarded grants to seven community organizations and tourism groups through the Manitoba STAR Attractions STAR Celebrations Enhancement Grant program, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Investments like the STAR Attractions STAR Celebrations program directly help shape experiences that exemplify the best of Manitoba,” said Cullen.  “We are committed to supporting groups that improve our province’s brand, increase the number of visitors to Manitoba, and uncover our greatest experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

Today’s announcement includes grants to seven organizations totalling $80,789, the minister said, noting additional funding under the STAR Attractions STAR Celebrations Enhancement Grant program remains available for application until Dec. 31.  Applications and additional program information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/tourism_sec/star_attractions.html.

“The STAR Attractions program is a great way to make visitors and Manitobans aware of the ‘must see’ cultural and natural experiences that our province has to offer,” said Colin Ferguson, president and CEO, Travel Manitoba.  “Attractions that are the recipients of these new grants will be able to enhance their experiences even further and increase their appeal to even more visitors.  Travel Manitoba encourages tourism operators to apply for the STAR Attractions program while it’s available, and help further develop Manitoba’s diverse and growing tourism industry.”

Grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

  • Royal Canadian Artillery Museum – $12,000 for technology upgrades;
  • Oak Hammock Marsh – $5,800 for arrival and directional signage;
  • Spirit Way – $17,639 for interpretive panel upgrades;
  • Arborg Multicultural Heritage Museum – $4,500 for interpretive panels;
  • Manitoba Museum – $17,300 for visitor amenity and accessibility upgrades;
  • Morden Corn and Apple Festival – $8,550 for visitor orientation signage; and
  • Town of Churchill – $15,000 for interpretive panels.

The Manitoba government has increased grants for tourism marketing and development by $3.4 million for 2016-17, Cullen said.  Travel Manitoba was allocated an increase of $3.125 million under the new Plan 96/4 Tourism Funding Model, he added.

- 30 -