Canada's tourism ministers meet and agree to tourism declaration

IQALUIT, Nov. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, and the Honourable Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Nunavut's Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, co-chaired the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers' (CCTM) meeting.

At the meeting, federal, provincial and territorial partners* agreed to a declaration committing to collaboration on important issues in order to grow and increase the competitiveness of Canada's tourism sector. As a result of the meeting, the CCTM has identified the following priorities and actions:

• Strengthen competitiveness by collaborating on marketing; broadening understanding of the sharing economy; facilitating communication on the importance of air competitiveness and access; and identifying potential solutions for labour and workforce challenges.
• Grow Canada's tourism offerings by exploring opportunities to collaborate on Indigenous tourism; festivals and events; and sustainability and economic development from federal, provincial and territorial parks visitation.
• Support a tourism statistical system in Canada that meets the information needs of decision makers.

During the meeting, ministers heard from representatives of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada and the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada. Ministers also discussed the variety of air access challenges across Canada and committed to championing air access concerns. 

* The minister from Yukon was unable to attend the meeting and agree to the tourism declaration at this time due to the recent territorial election.

Quotes

"This past year has been an amazing one for Canadian tourism, with every one of our regions seeing growth. Tourism—from ecotourism to sport to Indigenous tourism—is part of every Canadian community and affects us all. I look forward to continue working with my provincial, territorial and industry partners in advancing tourism priorities that will create jobs and help the middle class grow and prosper."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"The approval of the Nunavut Declaration is a significant step forward. Now we will have national collaboration on tourism development. Canada is an amazing place that attracts people from around the world. This declaration will strengthen our competitiveness and increase our tourism products at a time when a greater number of people are visiting our country. I look forward to continuing to work with my counterparts from across Canada."
– The Honourable Monica Ell-Kanayuk, Nunavut's Minister of Economic Development and Transportation

Quick facts

• At the last CCTM meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba, earlier this year, ministers identified as a priority the creation of a new strategy to support continued collaboration on tourism.
• Tourism is Canada's number one service export, with international revenues of over $18 billion in 2015. Total tourism revenue from domestic and international travellers exceeded $90 billion.
• Tourism helps create jobs and supports local economies across Canada. It generates revenues in key service industries, including accommodation, food and beverage, passenger transportation, recreation and entertainment, and retail.
• Canada received 17.8 million overnight arrivals by non-residents in 2015, an increase of 7.5 percent from the year before. Overnight arrivals are on track for another strong year in 2016.
• The Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is the new co-chair of the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers and will host the next meeting in Ottawa in 2017.

Related product

• Nunavut Declaration

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT 
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: James Fitz-Morris, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-291-2700; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [e-mail]; Matthew Illaszewicz, Manager, Communications, Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut, 867-975-7818, [e-mail]