Nothing puts a city on the map like hosting a high-profile event full of glitz, glam and excitement. Events like the JUNO Awards, CFL Grey Cup or CN Canadian Women’s Open not only bring visitors to our city, but also cast Winnipeg into national and international spotlights.
In 2008, the City of Winnipeg’s Special Event Tourism Fund (SETF) was created to attract these types of world-class sports, special events and conventions, increasing economic returns for Winnipeg.
To date, the fund has committed a total contribution of $1.29-million to 25 conventions and major events spanning 2009-2016. The effect of these events collectively represents approximately $43-million in direct expenditures within Winnipeg and an estimated gross economic impact of $76-million within Manitoba.
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz
“This fund has allowed us to remain competitive and ensures our City remains a positive and viable destination for future conferences and special events,” says Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. “With the return of the Winnipeg Jets and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on the horizon, initiatives like this will continue to give us an edge in bringing the world to Winnipeg.”
The fund has been instrumental in acquiring several large-scale major events. In 2010, the fund supported events such as the Rendez vous Canada Showcase, Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly and Investors Group Apex Summit. Future planned events supported by the fund include:
- Olympic Team Trials for Men’s and Women’s Wrestling, December 2011
- Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships, July 2011 & 2012
- International Conference of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Jews, July 2013
- Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Convention, August 2013
- Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials, December 2013
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 2016
Marina R. James
“The SETF is paramount to our success in attracting high profile, high economic impact events that generate buzz and create significant returns,” says Marina R. James, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. “These are the kinds of events you see broadcast in living rooms across the world, and this exposure places Winnipeg on a visible world stage.”
About the SETF
The SETF was established in 2008 after approval from Winnipeg’s City Council. The fund is generated through a portion of the City’s Accommodation Tax revenue and is managed by Tourism Winnipeg in partnership with the City of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Hotel Association. Events that are eligible for the fund include national and international conventions, as well as sports and special events that meet certain criteria. The fund is not used for small local events or capital contributions.
About Tourism Winnipeg
Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization. A division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Tourism Winnipeg’s mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully-integrated tourism industry – one that enhances the Winnipeg’s economic growth through the acquisition of meetings, conventions, events, the attraction of group’s travelers and leisure tourists, increased overnight visitation and the delivery of the best possible visitor experience.
For further information contact:
Nisha Tuli Manager, Communications and Media Relations Tourism Winnipeg P: 204.954.1977 [email protected] http://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/ Become our fan on Facebook: facebook.com/VisitWinnipeg Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/TourismWPG
