Destination Canada Launches the International Convention Attraction Fund

Destination Canada has announced a multi-million dollar International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF or “the Fund”). Over the next three years, the Fund will support and demonstrate financial commitments in bids by Canadian cities to host major international conventions. 

Aimed to help bolster Canada’s competitiveness in attracting major international conventions, conferences, and events, the Fund is a key priority of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy (FTGS) and is a component of an overall $50 million investment by the Government of Canada. Announced in 2023, the FTGS was guided by stakeholder consultations and includes a strategic pillar to secure more global events.  

Attracting major business events to Canadian cities like Vancouver is an essential part in advancing Canada’s tourism sector. Canadian Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) — like Destination Vancouver — bidding to host eligible international business events may receive ICAF support up to $1 million per event, based on a scoring system that evalutes the value of each bidding opportunity.  Through this support, the ICAF is expected to generate around $3.5 for every dollar invested – generating at least $174 million for the Canadian economy. 

The ICAF is an exciting investment that will support the work done by Destination Vancouver and our MIND Partnership. From preparing bids, to assisting with logistical arrangements and attendance building, Destination Vancouver helps bring the world to Vancouver. We look forward to continuing to showcase the world-class expertise and innovation in our city through international business events.  

_

Learn more about Destination Canada’s investment into global meetings and conventions, here.