Incentive Fund for the Development of Group Tour Packages

Tourism Eastern Townships has launched a pilot incentive fund to support tour operators in developing group tour packages that include overnight stays in the region.

This program encourages the creation of new itineraries in the Eastern Townships, particularly during shoulder and low seasons, while helping tour operators manage rising operational costs.

Eligible tour operators may receive a financial incentive for group tours generating overnight stays in the region.

Program Objectives

The incentive fund aims to :

• improve the accessibility of the destination within the distribution network ;
• stimulate the development of tour packages during shoulder and low seasons ;
• encourage longer stays in the region ;
• support client retention in a context of rising service costs due to inflation ;
• promote the use of regional tourism services (local guides, activities, attractions).

Eligible Travel Periods

Tours must take place during one of the following periods :

• september 1, 2026 – June 22, 2027 ;
• september 1, 2027 – December 23, 2027.

Target Markets

The program applies to group tour operators serving customers from :

• Canada (outside of Québec province) ;
• The United States ;
• International markets.

Incentive Amounts

Eligible tour operators may receive one of the following incentives :

• $1,000 : first eligible tour from a tour operator that has not promoted the region for 5 years or more ;
• $500 : eligible tours generating 35 room nights or more, from a tour operator that has brought at least one group to the region within the past 4 years ;
• $300 : eligible tours generating 25 to 34 room nights, from a tour operator that has brought at least one group to the region within the past 4 years.

A maximum of three applications per tour operator per year will be accepted, subject to program funding availability.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the incentive, the tour package must :

• correspond to the target markets and eligible travel periods ;
• generate a minimum of 25 room nights in a hotel establishment located in the Eastern Townships ;
• include activities and meals in the itinerary ;
• be organized by a licensed travel agency or tour operator in its country of origin ;
• receive pre-approval from Tourism Eastern Townships before the departure of the trip.

Conventions, meetings and events are not eligible.

Supporting Documents

After the tour has taken place, the following documents must be submitted:

• final tour itinerary ;
• estimated total expenses ;
• number of participants ;
• number of rooms occupied ;
• accommodation invoice(s).

Submission Deadlines

• 2026 tours: required documents must be submitted before January 31, 2027 ;
• 2027 tours: required documents must be submitted before January 31, 2028 .

Once the documentation has been received and validated, the incentive payment will be issued by bank transfer within 60 days.

Apply for Pre-Approval

Tour operators must obtain pre-approval before confirming the departure of the tour, to ensure they are meeting the criteria and that the incentive amount available.

👉 Submit your application here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBSfN8ZfDC_fnA1yPks37MAZrawTHZlq3n5Me-7FLXLNv8yA/viewform?usp=header

Contact

Applications and supporting documents can be submitted to: incentive@atrce.com.

Tourism Eastern Townships reserves the right to verify information with accommodation partners and to refuse applications from organizations that have previously caused damages or disturbances.