The funds have yet to be assigned to any specific programme and will only do so after being tabled by the Canadian Parliament.

The news was revealed by Bardish Chagger, minister for small business and tourism, who also spoke about the new Millennial Travel Programme during her keynote speech at the closing ceremony of Canada’s premier tourism market place Rendez-vous Canada (RVC).

Chagger explained that the scheme would encourage millennials to act as ambassadors for Canada by sharing their experiences through social media outlets.

“I am excited about the opportunity for millennials to meet people and to experience and share the cool, fun and diverse activities to do in Canada in the lead up to and throughout 2017,” she said.

Chagger added that in 2015 the Canadian tourism industry accounted for more than 637,000 jobs and revenues of over $90 million.

“This was the first time in over a decade that Canada surpassed the international overall growth in tourist arrivals and this is something to cheer about,” she said. “Tourism is not just important for the economy here in Canada, but also in economies around the world.”