The Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT) is an innovative partnership that brings together the Government of Canada, Atlantic provincial governments, and provincial tourism industry associations to position the four Atlantic provinces as must-visit destinations in the highly competitive global tourism market.

“Like Yarmouth, Gros Morne, and all the magical places in Atlantic Canada, we know how important the visitor economy is to our region’s success. ACAT is a trailblazing partnership that other regions look to as an example of what can be accomplished when governments and industry have a shared vision, and work together to deliver results.”

- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

“Atlantic Canada has what the world wants – and we want to help bring it to them. Today’s announcement will help attract more visitors to the region, while supporting our tourism businesses and the thousands of people they employ. Together, we will help more tourists discover the wonders of Atlantic Canada!”

- The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec 

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to renew this long standing and productive partnership. Through this agreement, we have made a great deal of progress in raising the profile of the Atlantic Canada region as a compelling and attractive tourism destination. Through these collaborative efforts, we are all reaping the rewards of increased visitation and spending to our individual provinces and region as a whole. We look forward to building on the progress already made to produce continued results."

- The Honourable Steve Crocker, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Working collaboratively through the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism, Nova Scotia is able to reach more potential visitors and keep Atlantic Canada top of mind as a vacation destination. We are able to work with our neighbouring provinces to highlight our region as an exciting place to travel and encourage tourism spending in our communities.”

- The Honourable Allan MacMaster, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

“The visitor economy is an important contributor to our province. This agreement allows to us to continue the great work of promoting and showcasing the region as a major travel destination which benefits New Brunswick.”

- The Honourable Tammy Scott-Wallace, New Brunswick Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture

“Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry is made up of thousands of small businesses that provide vital employment and economic activity in our communities. Every year, visitors from around the world travel to experience all that the Island has to offer. Our Government understands the importance of developing key tourism markets and is pleased to work with our Atlantic partners to further our investment in this vital industry.”

- The Honourable Cory Deagle, Prince Edward Island Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sports and Culture

"ACAT is an example of industry and governments in Atlantic Canada working together to elevate international marketing of the region while also providing the flexibility for each province to maintain its own identity. This announcement brings excellent value to our province and our members.”

- Deborah Bourden, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of Atlantic Canada’s Provincial Tourism Industry Associations. 

• The 2023-2028 Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism is a $30 million federal-provincial-industry partnership that will see the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invest $18 million, and the four Atlantic provinces invest $12 million collectively, over the next four-and-a-half-years.

• ACAT is administered by the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, who, along with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, and The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, represents the voice of the tourism industry in the agreement. 

• Over 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, working in food and beverage, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and travel services. Together, these companies employ over 111,000 full and part-time workers. 

• Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing approximately 9.5% of all local jobs in rural communities.

• Industries that rely on tourism contributed 3.5% of the region’s GDP in 2022.

• The Atlantic Growth Strategy is a pan-Atlantic, federal-provincial initiative that focuses on accelerating the momentum of the Atlantic Canadian economy through a collaborative, results-based approach to economic development.

Associated links

• Atlantic Growth Strategy website
• Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting (2023)
• Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting (2022)
• In 2020, ACOA and Atlantic provincial partners announced the Atlantic Canada Tourism Recovery Initiative to support the region’s tourism industry in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• ACAT was officially launched at the July 2017 AGS meeting.
• Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every Day. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
• Tourism Growth Program

Connor Burton 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Media Relations   
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency  
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  

Amelia Jarvis
Outreach and Engagement Advisor
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Government of Nova Scotia
Amelia.Jarvis@novascotia.ca

Kelly Cormier
Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.
Government of New Brunswick
Kelly.cormier@gnb.ca

April Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport, and Culture
Government of Prince Edward Island
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

Gina MacArthur
Media Relations Manager
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca