top of page

ECONOMIC SUPPORT & RESOURCES
West Moberly First Nations
Tourism and Summer Events
Destination Events Program
Government of BC
About
Objectives
The program aims to enhance B.C.’s reputation as an events destination, foster economic growth and increase visitation across the province.
Key objectives include:
Boosting local economies by attracting visitors, creating jobs and supporting businesses to promote long-term economic growth in communities
Supporting shoulder and off-season tourism growth, driving overnight visitation and raising destination awareness to encourage future tourism investment and repeat visitation
Application Period
The program is administered through a time-limited application process. Applications will be accepted from April 7, 2025, until May 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT).
Eligible Applicants
How to apply
Your completed online application and all supporting documentation must be submitted by the application deadline of May 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Late applications will not be considered.
Refer to the required documentation list to ensure your application package is complete. The ministry may contact your organization to verify the information provided.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as funds are limited and applications are scored competitively. All decisions are final.
The online application is best suited for the following web browsers: Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Applicants using the Safari browser on Mac devices may not be able to complete the submission.
Funding
The Destination Events Program (DEP) provides funding up to 10% of your total event budget, with a maximum of $200,000 per event. You can use the funds to cover a range of operational expenses.
Note: Your total event budget must be a minimum of $150,000 to be eligible to apply.
Eligible organizations
You can apply if your organization is eligible and you are hosting an event that meets all criteria. Indigenous community or organization
Not-for-profit organization
Business
Local government
What kinds of events are eligible
If your event type is not listed or you have questions about eligibility, please contact us.
Eligible events
Sporting events, such as:
spectator sport events
organized races
exhibition events
Arts and culture events, such as:
live music festivals
film festivals
cultural festivals
art walks and mural festivals
Agricultural events, such as:
fairs, rodeos and exhibitions
festivals held on farms, orchards or vineyards
Mandatory eligibility criteria
Eligible events are scheduled to take place in B.C. between June 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026 and meet the following eligibility criteria.
a. Open to the public
Events must be open to all members of the public
Events that are only available to the organization’s members are not eligible
b. Frequency limit
Events occurring more than 21 days in a calendar year are not eligible for funding
The 21 days do not need to be consecutive
c. Financial viability
While event budgets do not need to be balanced, events are required to be financially viable in order to qualify for funding
Event organizers must provide a detailed budget covering all expenses and expected revenue, along with projected ticket sales, sponsorships and other income sources
d. Minimum event operating budget
Events must demonstrate a minimum operating budget of $150,000
Your budget should include all revenue and expenses, both eligible and ineligible.
e. Secured venue
The event venue must be secured at the time of application
Event organizers must provide the venue name and address during the application process
You may be asked to provide evidence that the event venue is secured (e.g., municipal permits, rental agreements, proof of insurance, emergency management plan or other documentation)
Events in the bid phase are not eligible
f. Destination event
Events must demonstrate the ability to attract overnight visitors specifically for the event
Events that are primarily community focused are not eligible
g. Letter of support
A letter of support must be provided by either a host community (i.e. municipal or regional government), First Nation government, and/or destination management organization, unless one of these is the applicant
Event evaluation
Your application will be used to evaluate how well your event meets the DEP objectives to generate economic and tourism benefits.
Economic Impact
Direct impact to local businesses/suppliers: estimated spending by event organizers, exhibitors, participants, and attendees on local goods and services
Local jobs supported: estimated number of local jobs supported, and total wages paid to put on the event
Tourism Benefits
Visitor attendance: estimated number of attendees travelling internationally, across Canada, from outside the region and locally to attend the event
Room nights: anticipated number of room-nights generated from hosting the event
Seasonal impact: drives visitation during low or shoulder seasons, addressing off-peak demand
Geographic distribution: attracts visitors to more regions of the province to share the benefits of tourism with everyone in B.C.
Destination awareness: showcases the unique attractions and tourism offerings of B.C.’s communities
Organizations must be in good standing with Tourism Branch funding programs to be eligible. For example, if in the past you failed to meet reporting requirements, misused funds, or your event did not take place without an acceptable reason, you will be considered ineligible for funding.
NEW - BCeID Required
Our new online application requires that applicants have a Basic BCeID. The Basic BCeID is a personal account that will give you access to the online application form to submit on behalf of your organization. Even if your organization has a Business BCeID, you must still apply for a Basic BCeID.
How to create a new BCeID
Using your web browser, visit Register for a Basic BCeID
Fill out all information required in the form
Once you complete the registration you will receive a confirmation email
Do not lose your User ID and Password, you will need them to access your DEP application
Once the application intake opens, the DEP webpage will have a link to apply. Clicking the link will prompt you to enter your Basic BCeID information, and then you will directed to the application form.
How to apply
Your completed online application and all supporting documentation must be submitted by the application deadline of May 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Late applications will not be considered.
Refer to the required documentation list to ensure your application package is complete. The ministry may contact your organization to verify the information provided.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as funds are limited and applications are scored competitively. All decisions are final.
The online application is best suited for the following web browsers: Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Applicants using the Safari browser on Mac devices may not be able to complete the submission.
bottom of page