Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1249269
Examples of meetings, conventions, sports and special events that were supported by the Special Events Tourism Fund held in 2019 include: Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Canada - 2019 Jehovah's Witnesses Convention 4,300 delegates Peguis First Nation and Canadian Native Fastball Association - 2019 Canadian Native Fastball Championships 1,400 participants National Gathering of Elders - 2019 National Gathering of Elders 3,500 delegates Swimming Canada - 2019 Canadian Swimming Championships 340 participants Key initiatives National Tourism Week activities TW collaborated with industry stakeholders to elevate the importance of the contributions that the tourism sector brings to the local economy during Canada's National Tourism Week (May 26 to June 1). TW hosted a dozen mascots at the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport to welcome incoming passengers and held the Winnipeg Tourism Awards of Distinction, which honoured 25 tourism industry stakeholders and had over 250 people in attendance. Visitor experiences outreach Twenty-six frontline training programs were held at hotels and attractions for frontline staff to better promote Winnipeg's tourism attributes and encourage repeat visitations for the hotels/attractions, while increasing positive word-of- mouth advertising for the city. The TW team conducted 10 familiarization tours of local attractions and events for a cumulative total of 460 attendees. Total number of SETF applications processed in 2019 Special Events Tourism Fund 51 applications $50.4 M direct spend 58,600 room nights 37,700 delegates/participants The Special Events Tourism Fund (SETF) was established by the City of Winnipeg in 2008 to provide financial assistance in attracting major meetings, conventions, sports and special events to Winnipeg. Since its inception in 2009, there has been a total of $12.7 million in commitments for 250 (228 won and 22 bidding) events spanning from 2009 to 2025. 29 2019 Annual Report