The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) applauds the Government of Canada for taking decisive action to support the recovery and long-term growth of Canada’s tourism industry with the unveiling of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
The strategy, titled Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every day., aims to build back this once $105 billion industry and solidify Canada’s position as a top global destination. Informed by extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including tourism businesses, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, and destination marketing organizations, this new strategy addresses the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian tourism sector.
“TIAC and our industry partners are incredibility grateful for the thought and consultation that went into this new strategy,” says TIAC’s president and CEO Beth Potter, “which, along with the financial support recently announced in the federal budget, will help bolster tourism activity in local communities; assist in attracting major international conventions, conferences, and events to Canada; and support the modernization and development of new, more competitive, tourism assets including the growth of Indigenous experiences, for both Canadian and world travellers to discover.”
However, challenges continue to plague tourism’s recovery, including a persistently severe shortage of labour, increasing operating costs, inflation, and climbing interest rates. These all add a significant burden for those who sacrificed and took on considerable debt loads to ensure that their small businesses survived the significant economic impacts they faced during COVID.
“Ongoing support from our federal government is critical for an industry that is a key driver of Canada’s economy. The tourism sector contributes to our vibrant communities and cultures and plays an essential role in promoting Canada as a world-class destination for both leisure and business,” says Potter. “We are committed to continuing to work, hand-in-hand, with the Minister of Tourism, other Cabinet Ministers, and federal officials on this strategic path toward full industry recovery, growth and sustainability.”
