Minister of Tourism celebrates National Tourism Week 2023

April 24, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, made the following statement to mark National Tourism Week 2023:

“Happy National Tourism Week 2023 in Canada!

“This is an important occasion for all of us involved in the Canadian tourism industry to celebrate everything that Canada has to offer visitors from near and far.

“From our three wildly beautiful coasts to the remarkable interior, Canada has memorable experiences to offer travellers, no matter the season or the region.

“Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. Like all those working in tourism—from hoteliers, to tour guides and operators, to transportation providers—I look forward to welcoming both first time and returning visitors to Canada, to share the spirit of respect, diversity and inclusion that Canadians embody every day.

“Canada makes all senses come alive with edge-of-your-seat, international sporting events, captivating cultural performances and exhibits, and eye-opening Indigenous experiences.

“Our culinary scene is world-class, as recognized last year by the fine folks at Michelin. Toronto and Vancouver now star in the Michelin Guide and can boast about being among the best in the dining world.  

“Domestic and international travellers have a growing interest in sustainable tourism, and Canada is well-positioned to deliver. An abundance of natural beauty and diverse outdoor experiences are a Canadian trademark and continue to attract people from around the world.

“Tourism creates jobs in every region of the country and empower communities large and small, in our rural and remote areas, and on ancestral Indigenous lands. No other sector of the economy can claim a reach that is as geographically diverse or demographically inclusive as tourism.

“As a country, tourism is Canada’s top service exports, even ahead of financial services and artificial intelligence innovation. The government is committed to seeing the industry continue to contribute to the country’s GDP; after all, Canada’s economic growth is directly tied to tourism’s growth.

“The Government of Canada is committed to seeing the Canadian tourism industry continue to grow and thrive, not just in a year from now, but for decades to come. That’s why we invested $158 million in Budget 2023 for Canadians and Indigenous partners to advance this goal.

“To that end, funding for Destination Canada will bring major international conventions, conferences, as well as business and sport events to Canada, while the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorization Program will make Canada a more attractive destination for trusted travellers.

“Communities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations will also receive support to develop local projects and events, and small businesses will benefit from lower credit card fees, as announced in Budget 2023.

“The budget also affirmed that the government will present a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Over the past year, we have held a series of roundtables to understand the concerns of business people and tourism stakeholders across the country. There were thematic roundtables on tourism investment, workforce challenges, and rural, sport, Indigenous, cultural, and culinary tourism, as well as regional roundtables to capture perspectives from people across the country.  

“Input received from all participants of the roundtables and from written submissions were very valuable, and we look forward to sharing our vision for the Canadian tourism sector’s very bright future. The new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy will be released soon, and it will set a course for growth, investment and stability for years to come.

“Interest in Canadian tourism experiences is high. We know this because tourism spending grew 2.1 % during the fourth quarter of 2022, the seventh consecutive quarterly increase. Our amazing landscapes, sustainable tourism offerings, welcoming spirit, and authentic Indigenous tourism experiences all contribute to Canada’s appeal. Now is the time to seize this opportunity and compete in an expanding international market.

“On the occasion of Tourism Week 2023, let’s come together to celebrate all that Canadian tourism is, and all that it can be.”