Tourism is an important economic driver in Atlantic Canada, contributing to the creation of good middle class jobs in towns and cities across the region. Indigenous tourism experiences offer a unique opportunity to showcase and share the rich history, culture and tradition of communities across the East Coast.

“Tourism is a key contributor to the Atlantic Canadian economy and a major employer in the region. Growing the Atlantic tourism industry is a priority for the federal and provincial governments under the Atlantic Growth Strategy and developing the potential of Indigenous tourism is an important part of our focus on growing the economy for all Atlantic Canadians.” 

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

“Indigenous tourism experiences share the history, art, traditions and cultures of Indigenous Peoples with Canadians and guests from around the world. This investment will enable ATAC to work with Indigenous Peoples across Atlantic Canada to develop that potential by growing existing businesses, starting new ones, and creating new jobs in this region.” 

• Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism

"The Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada is diligently working to ensure that all provinces, regions, and territories are supported through the development of partnerships such as these, and I am pleased to join in the announcement of this new vision to support the development of Aboriginal tourism organizations in the Atlantic Region". 

• Robert Bernard, Chair, Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada

• • The Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC) is the national organization that supports training, product development and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada.

  • ATAC's vision is to support Atlantic Canada Indigenous tourism businesses and raise their profiles to encourage additional regional Atlantic Canada Indigenous tourism development.

  • On May 11, 2017, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, launched Canada’s New Tourism Vision.

  • The New Tourism Vision commits to taking action on 20 priority issues. Specifically, the plan will invest in stronger and more sustained marketing, address issues related to travelling to and within the country, and support Canadian tourism businesses and operators as they work to upgrade their offerings with new, innovative products and services.

  • The Atlantic Growth Strategy was unveiled in July 2016 by the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic Provinces.

  • The Strategy aims to stimulate economic growth in the region by focusing joint federal-provincial efforts and resources on five areas of action: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.

  • Canada’s tourism industry supports 1.7 million jobs across the country.

  • Each year, tourism in Atlantic Canada contributes nearly $5 billion to the region’s economy, supports 9,600 businesses, and provides full-time-equivalent employment to 57,000 Atlantic Canadians.

Christopher Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569

Robert Bernard
Executive Chair
Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada
902-302-3300