Media Release
Economic Spin-off from Events Supported by the Special Event Tourism Fund Estimated at $38.2M
July 6, 2012: Winnipeg, MB – It’s been a banner year for the City of Winnipeg’s Special Event Tourism Fund (SETF), which continues to attract new events and conventions, while yielding strong economic returns. In 2008, the SETF was created to attract world-class sporting events, special events and conventions. When Winnipeg hosts large-scale events, such as the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2015, it not only elevates the city’s profile—it adds real dollars to the economy.
To date, the SETF has committed a total of $2.8 million to 53 conventions and major events spanning 2009-2016. The effect of these events collectively represents approximately $38.2 million in direct expenditures within Winnipeg and an estimated gross economic activity of $76.5 million within Manitoba.
“The SETF ensures Winnipeg remains competitive in its ability to attract future conferences and special events,” says Mayor Sam Katz. “With the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Journey to Churchill and the expansion of the Winnipeg Convention Centre on the horizon, this fund further allows us to help bring the world to Winnipeg and builds on that momentum.”
The SETF has been instrumental in attracting several large-scale events. Some examples of events and conferences this fund has supported in 2012 include the North American Corridor Coalition Annual Conference and the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers.
Future planned events supported by the SETF include:
- Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Convention, August 2013
- Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Olympic Curling Trials, December 2013
- Canadian Amateur Men’s Golf Championships, August 2014
- GoMedia Canada Marketplace, August 2014
- Mennonite Economic Development Associates, November 2014
- Aboriginal Financial Officers, February 2015
- Women’s FIFA World Cup, June 2015
- Canadian Paediatric Society, June 2015
- The Wildlife Society, October 2015
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 2016
“The SETF plays a significant role in our ability to offer incentives for these prestigious events,” says Marina R. James, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. “These are events every city wants to host and we remain committed to using this fund to maximize the attraction of events. These events not only directly impact our economy but they boost civic pride and generate invaluable national and international exposure for Winnipeg.”
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. It is managed by Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. with representation from Tourism Winnipeg, and run 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.
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About Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is a not-for-profit organization that leads and facilitates investment, partnership, capacity building, tourism and the management of market information. EDW leads global business attraction, and local business retention and expansion with its Yes! Winnipeg business development team, facilitates targeted sector development, and promotes Winnipeg’s diverse economy and high quality of life. Through its Tourism Winnipeg division, EDW also facilitates a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully-integrated tourism industry that further enhances the city of Winnipeg’s economic growth.
Led by a private sector board with core funding from the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, EDW promotes Winnipeg as an ideal place to live, work, invest and visit.
For further information contact:
Gillian Leschasin
Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc.
P: 204.954.1977
gillian@tourismwinnipeg.com
www.tourismwinnipeg.com
