Unveils report on year-one progress toward goals and action items in Canada's Tourism Vision
HALIFAX, May 14, 2018 /CNW/ - In 2017, Canada had its best year ever for international visits, welcoming 20.8 million visitors from around the world. Tourism puts Canada on the map and creates good middle-class jobs—one in ten jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Tourism directly supported 735,300 jobs last year.
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, today highlighted Canada's incredible achievements in 2017 during a keynote address at Rendez-vous Canada, the country's premier international tourism marketplace.
Minister Chagger also unveiled a report on the results achieved during the first year of Canada's New Tourism Vision. The Minister launched this bold plan to grow Canada's tourism industry at last year's Rendez-vous Canada event in Calgary.
In her keynote, Minister Chagger highlighted the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada's new series of Indigenous travel itineraries. From coast to coast to coast, visitors can now experience our country's rich history through authentic tourism experiences offered by Indigenous tourism businesses. She also spoke about the Atlantic Growth Strategy and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's work on this plan to stimulate growth across the region.
The Minister also reminded the Rendez-vous Canada audience that 2018 is the Canada-China Year of Tourism and that China-readiness workshops will be held across Canada in the coming months. These workshops will enable the domestic tourism industry to adapt to the needs of potential tourists from China, contributing to Canada's efforts to double the number of visits from China by 2021 from 2016 levels.
Quotes
"From coast to coast to coast, our communities rely on tourism; it's a vital component of Canada's economy. From the growing Indigenous tourism industry, to the world-class experiences and attractions that drew record numbers of visitors last year, to the great year ahead of us in terms of the people-to-people ties that connect Canada and China, it's never been a better time to be part of Canada's tourism success story."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism
"It looks like Rendez-vous Canada is on track to draw record attendance this year, and that means buyers from around the world and sellers from across the country will be driving more international travel to Canada. Together, we're showing that now is the time to visit Canada."
– David Goldstein, President and CEO, Destination Canada
"This year's Rendez-vous Canada promises to be another record-setting event as we welcome Canadian tourism businesses from across the country to showcase Canada's broad and diverse offerings to international travel trade. This annual event continues to have a considerable impact on helping Canada attract more visitors, create more jobs and make significant contributions to local economies in urban, rural and remote locations. TIAC is pleased to collaborate with Destination Canada again this year and salutes the ongoing support of Minister Chagger as we continue to work collaboratively toward meeting the goals of Canada's New Tourism Vision."
– Charlotte Bell, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Canada
"Indigenous tourism businesses are providing immersive, authentic experiences, which are high on the list of activities visitors to Canada are seeking. Indigenous tourism in Canada is so much more than observing historic items or touring ancient sites—all across this country these travel experiences are fun, engaging and educational."
– Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Quick facts
- Rendez-vous Canada 2018 is bringing together 1850 international buyers and Canadian sellers to help export Canadian tourism products to foreign markets.
- In 2017, tourism directly generated 735,300 Canadian jobs, an increase of 1.9% over 2016.
- Total tourism revenues from domestic and international travellers topped $97.4 billion in 2017—an all-time record.
- Tourism directly accounted for $41.2 billion of Canada's GDP in 2017, an increase of 6.3% over 2016.
- Tourism is Canada's number one service export, with international revenues reaching $21.3 billion in 2017.
- Support for tourism in Budget 2018 includes $11 million for the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.
- Budget 2018 also includes investments in other key areas such as parks, Indigenous heritage and culture, and Canada's regional development agencies.
Associated links
- Rendez-vous Canada 2018
- Canada's New Tourism Vision
- Canada-China Year of Tourism 2018
- Destination Canada
- Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada—Indigenous Itineraries
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
Follow Minister Chagger on Twitter: @MinofSBT
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Sandra Aubé, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, 343-998-5328; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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