New Brunswick’s tourism minister says this summer’s travel incentive rebate program could not have gone any better.
The deadline for residents to apply for the Explore New Brunswick Travel Incentive program is 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Tammy Scott-Wallace said the province had already received more than 23,000 claims as of Thursday.
“We can see very clearly that this incentive was enough to get New Brunswickers out during a challenging time,” said Scott-Wallace. “They were out supporting our businesses and our attractions.”
New Brunswickers who took a vacation, which included a paid overnight stay, can apply for a 20 per cent rebate on accommodation, food and drink, activity and travel expenses. The rebate applies to eligible expenses of up to $1,000 between July 15 and Sept. 30.
Residents have submitted receipts and applications through the program so far spent just over $16 million, said Scott-Wallace.
The province said the program would be first come, first served until the $3-million fund was used up, but Scott-Wallace said they are already looking at about $3.2 million in rebates if everyone who submitted claims is eligible.
“That does exceed what we had anticipated but that was just very much a guess. Nobody is going to be cut off,” she said.
Rebates will be given by e-transfer and provincial officials said they will take about 10 weeks to receive.
Scott-Wallace said after seeing the success of this program, they plan on extending it into the fall and winter months.
“We want to give the opportunity to tourism operators during the fall and winter months, as well, but we also want to provide that incentive to New Brunswickers to get out and stay active and enjoy some family time during those seasons,” she said. “We have a lot to offer in those seasons.”
New Brunswickers who travel within the province over the coming months are encouraged to hang on to their receipts. More details about the program extension are expected in the coming weeks.
Scott-Wallace said those who qualified for the summer rebate program will also be eligible for the fall/winter program.
