Canada is built on shared values of diversity, equity, optimism and personal security and is recognized the world over as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ2 travellers.

“Canada has a strong reputation around the world as a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ2 travellers. By supporting LGBTQ2 organizations and communities, as well as Pride events, we are helping them promote inclusiveness and understanding, both in Canada and abroad. That is why we have made it a pillar of our strategy.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Canada is a top tourism destination in world for a number of important reasons. People visit for our vast wilderness, our diverse, welcoming culture, great food and our rich history. And what keeps people coming back is our world-famous hospitality. Canadians should be proud of our long tradition of welcoming LGBTQ2 travellers from around the world with open arms. And with the support of the investments announced today, I know that this is just the beginning.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Pride celebrations bring tons of business and tourism to Canada, but more importantly they’re a significant part of the ongoing path to full equality for LGBTQ2 Canadians. This funding will help LGBTQ2 Canadians continue to share their history and story with the rest of the country and the world.”
– The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

“Canada is known increasingly as a top LGBTQ2 tourism destination. Through pride celebrations, queer and trans activists, artists and local organizations offer programming that draw in people from around the world. This funding reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ2 organizations, bringing tourism benefits to small and medium Canadian businesses, and enhancing pride celebrations across the country.”
– Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2

• Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product.

• Tourism supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.

• LGBTQ2 travellers, on average, vacation four to six times a year, versus one to two for other travellers, spend 33% more, and are known to return to places where they had good experiences.

• Canada already has an established reputation as one of the most LGBTQ2-friendly countries in the world, and its largest cities are routinely recognized worldwide as popular LGBTQ2 destinations.

• The Canadian Experiences Fund is part of Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. It supports growth in Canada’s LGBTQ2 tourism segment and will help showcase the country as an inclusive destination for LGBTQ2 tourists from Canada and abroad.

Associated links

• Stakeholder Quotes
• Tourism in Canada
• Budget 2019
• Fierté Montréal
• Pride Toronto
• Vancouver Pride Society

Jeremy Ghio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
Jeremy.Ghio@canada.ca 

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

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