This summer, doors slowly opened for Manitoba businesses, but stories of struggle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are all too familiar. Its impact on the economy — especially among small to medium businesses, the hospitality sector, tourism, personal service providers, restaurants, and more – is almost unfathomable.
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce responded with an incentive program to make a hotel stay in Manitoba’s villages, towns and cities very attractive. That program has been extended.
Participating hotels include Virden’s Countryside Inn, Comfort Inn and Suites, Central Hotel, Alexandra Hotel and Jays Inn & Suites. The Miniota Motor Inn and the Elkhorn Motor Hotel are also in the program.
More than 11,250 Manitobans have already taken advantage of the MCC’s Tourism Rebate Incentive Program, TRIP, adding up to more than 9,300 hotel room nights during the two-week window, as well as more than 2,500 rebates on admission to Manitoba’s STAR attractions.
Now the MCC is announcing an additional 18 days of Manitoba adventures, road trips, and staycations will be eligible for rebates, Aug. 26 to Sept. 12.
“To say this recovery program is a success would be a huge understatement, because thanks to Manitobans, TRIP has had an immediate, direct, and significant impact on Manitoba’s tourism industry,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “TRIP is a win-win design, with Manitobans out touring our beautiful province and enjoying the sights, while supporting the recovery of our recreational assets. And the best part: there are still more rebates available so we can open it up to even more Manitobans!”
The Phase 2 TRIP program window opened this Thursday, Aug. 26 and will close on Sunday, Sept. 12, the day following the Banjo Bowl. Manitoba residents aged 18+ (who have not yet participated in TRIP) can upload proof of purchase receipts for eligible hotel/motel stays as well as for attraction admission fees to www.tripmb.ca, in order to access a $100 hotel rebate, OR a $150 rebate off the price of a specially-designed hotel package, as well as a 50 per cent rebate off the price of general admission at one of 31 Manitoba Star Attractions.
Participants promptly receive a rebate conveniently by email — in most cases in less than 48 hours — simply by photographing their receipt and uploading it to the website, then completing a brief form. It is straightforward, low cost to administer, and secure.
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is an umbrella organization representing 68 local Chambers of Commerce across Manitoba. They represent almost 10,000 businesses of all sizes, and across all sectors and they encourage us to support local, personally and for our business supply chain. Pause and reflect to make small changes, because when you buy local, you invest in Manitobans and our economy.
Davidson says that based on uptake during Phase 1, the remaining TRIP rebate budget will likely be allocated in full by the time the three-week Phase 2 window closes.
