Statistics Canada reports that tourism spending is growing in Canada

Statistics Canada releases national tourism indicators for third quarter 2018

OTTAWA, Jan. 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada's tourism sector is a driver of the Canadian economy: it contributes to economic growth and creates opportunities and jobs for the middle class across Canada. The tourism sector is an important source of employment for Canadians, supporting 1.8 million jobs across the country.

Yesterday, Statistics Canada released a report that highlights the latest numbers for Canada's tourism sector.

From January to September of 2018, tourism spending in Canada was $80.8 billion, an increase of 5.9% compared to the same period in 2017. Domestic revenues edged up 6.9% to almost $63.3 billion, and tourism revenues from international travellers increased 2.3% to $17.5 billion.

In the first nine months of 2018, tourism activities directly accounted for $33.9 billion of Canada's GDP, an increase of 5.9% over the same period in 2017. Tourism directly accounted for over 750,000 jobs from January to September 2018, an increase of 1.3% compared to the same period in 2017.

Tourism is a vital and growing part of the Canadian economy. From 2014 to 2017, Canada's tourism sector gained ground by almost every measure. International arrivals in Canada grew by an average of 8% per year and the tourism sector's contribution to GDP grew by an average of 4.6% per year. From 2014 to 2017, the number of jobs in Canada's tourism sector grew by an average of 1.7% per year.

Quote

"These numbers prove that the tourism sector deserves to be recognized for its high growth potential. It's a driving force in job creation for the middle class. This is why I'm crossing the country to hear from leaders in the industry on new ways to grow Canadian tourism opportunities and increase competitiveness globally. And it's why our government created the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy. People worldwide have never travelled so much, and we are working on a national tourism strategy to help communities across the country, large and small, draw more visitors to their regions. The future is bright for Canadian tourism."
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

Quick facts

• Canada's tourism industry is thriving, supporting over 1.8 million jobs across the country.
• From January to October 2018, Canada welcomed a record 18.6 million international tourists, an increase of 1.2% over the same period in 2017.
• The Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy is made up of business owners, entrepreneurs, and tourism operators and professionals who recognize the economic importance of the tourism sector.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada