The benefits of a $55 billion industry that keeps 1.6 million Canadians working, supports economic and community development in all regions, and generates over $15 billion in tax revenues…
The benefits of a $55 billion industry that keeps 1.6 million Canadians working, supports economic and community development in all regions, and generates over $15 billion in tax revenues are at the heart of Tourism Month in Canada, which is being celebrated nation-wide in June.
But, warns Randy Williams, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry of Canada, those benefits cannot be taken for granted. Tourism is the world`s fastest growing industry, he said, noting that more and more countries are investing in tourism as a means of improving their economic outlook. Even though tourism spending reached its highest level in Canada last year and the tourism industry is recovering from the challenges of recent years, we are losing ground internationally. In 2003, we dropped to 10th place in terms of visitation and to 12th place for international tourism receipts.
Unfortunately, Canada risks being left behind in a high-stakes game where the winners will be those countries that demonstrate a national commitment to tourism success-and where the public and private sectors work together and employ innovative thinking to put that commitment into action. Key areas where Canada needs to act, according to TIAC, include significantly increased marketing funding for the Canadian Tourism Commission, infrastructure investment, transportation access, and the development and implementation of a national tourism strategy.
Mr. Williams hopes that, by putting the spotlight on tourism`s contributions to Canada, Tourism Month will help his organization build on its recent advocacy successes. They include a generous increase in the budget of the Parks Canada Agency, a key tourism partner which manages Canada`s national parks and 150 of its national historic sites, a third successive reduction in the Air Travellers Security Charge, and airport rent reductions.
Organized around the theme Tourism Makes Canada Smile and coordinated by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Tourism Month in Canada provides a focal point for activities planned across the country by individual businesses, provincial, territorial and regional tourism industry associations, destination marketing organizations and other partners. They include open houses, contests, tours, parties and presentations. Tourism organizations can choose various weeks or days in June to celebrate tourism at the local, regional or provincial/territorial levels. The celebration aims to raise awareness among Canadians and their governments of the tremendous economic and social importance of tourism and its impact on Canada`s national and local economies, its standard of living and Canadians` quality of life.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
