New program to equip tourism businesses to future-proof for wildfires: Travel Manitoba investing $1.35 million to help tourism lodges and outfitters with fire-prevention equipment and training

Winnipeg, Manitoba–January 29, 2026—Travel Manitoba will provide subsidized value protection equipment and training to eligible tourism businesses to help prevent losses and devastation from future wildfires. The Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program (WRAP), opened today for expression of interest applications from tourism lodges and operators most at risk from wildfires.

“Manitoba’s tourism industry offers incredible experiences to visitors from across the country and around the world. This new program will help strengthen the resilience of lodges and operators while helping protect the $1.89 billion provincial tourism industry,” said the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Under the program, eligible tourism operators will get subsidies of up to 90% on the cost of equipment to protect key infrastructure and will receive FireSmart training, along with access to more tailored assessments of their businesses. Each equipment protection kit, which will be compatible with Manitoba Wildfire Service standards, includes sprinklers, hoses and a water pump.

“The value of prevention and preparation cannot be overstated,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We are proud to be able to offer a program that will strengthen our coordinated efforts to protect more of Manitoba’s outstanding destinations and attractions so that they can thrive.”

Funding for the program comes from Travel Manitoba’s existing 2025-26 budget and is possible due to the increased investment in tourism made through Budget 2025. The new program is consistent with Travel Manitoba’s mandate to strengthen the tourism sector in the province.


Interested lodges and operators are invited to complete an expression of interest form before noon on Tuesday, February 17 with official applications scheduled to open via Travel Manitoba’s industry website before the end of February.


“We encourage our members to apply,” said Melanie MacCarthy, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association Board President, noting that many of their members run small and medium family-owned businesses which support rural and remote communities through increased revenue generation and job creation. “We support any approach that contributes to the long term viability of Manitoba’s world-class hunting and fishing sector and strengthens the many small and medium sized businesses which are the backbone of our industry.”

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Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.89 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.


For more information, please contact:
Louise Waldman
Vice-President, Communications and Strategic Engagement
LWaldman@travelmanitoba.com
204-619-5953