Minister Chagger highlights Tourism Week 2016

Statement

Ottawa, May 29, 2016—The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, made the following statement to highlight Tourism Week 2016, which runs from May 29 to June 4:

"Let's celebrate what makes Canada one of the best countries in the world to visit! Travellers around the world want to explore. Live a life less ordinary. Leave their worries behind. With national parks, beautiful cities and a vibrant cultural life as cornerstones of our tourism experiences, Canada will keep giving travellers amazing experiences and memories—and that's what will keep them coming back.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that tourism helps create jobs and supports local economies across Canada. It generates revenue in key service industries, including accommodation, food and beverage, passenger transportation, recreation and entertainment, and retail.

"The vast majority of Canada's tourism businesses are small and medium-sized. When the tourism industry flourishes, so do the hundreds of thousands of Canadian families supported by the industry.

"In 2015, the number of international overnight visitors to Canada grew by 7.5 percent compared to 2014, and tourism revenues reached over $90 billion. This was the first time in over a decade that Canada surpassed the international overall growth in tourist arrivals. And 2016 is already on track to be even better. That's something to cheer about!

"Our government is looking to help shape trends. And that means developing a long-term, sustained effort to help grow the tourism industry and promote the Canada brand abroad. As 2016 unfolds, we will continue to build on this momentum and set the stage for Canada's 150th birthday celebrations in 2017. Let's keep giving tourists amazing experiences and memories!"

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

For further information, please contact:

James Fitz-Morris
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Small Business and Tourism
343-291-2700

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Hon. Bardish Chagger Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Economics and Industry