A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts the Canadian tourism and travel industry is poised for a major rebound and is close to recovering to 2019 levels.
The council’s 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals the Canadian Travel & Tourism sector continues to show strong signs of post-pandemic recovery.
According to the latest report, the sector is set to contribute $162.6 billion to the Canadian economy this year, up 17.2% from last year and within touching distance of the previous peak of $173.9 billion in 2019.
WTTC is also forecasting that Travel & Tourism will create 90,000 jobs this year, recovering almost all of the jobs lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic to reach 1.64 million. Employment levels are also within touching distance of the 2019 high point.
Le Grande Roue (Big Wheel) in Montreal. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“Travel & tourism is recovering strongly in Canada with high visitor demand,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “The sector is a vital driver of economic growth and job creation in Canada with cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal remaining must-see global destinations for international visitors.
“As overseas visitors continue to return to Canada, we will see international visitor spending recovering quickly, to reach 2019 levels in the coming years.”
NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET
It’s good news. But Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said challenges remain, especially for business travel.
Potter told Canadian Press that international visitor rates may not return to pre-pandemic levels in Canada until 2025, and that business travel in Canada might not get back to those levels until 2026.
What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than $238 billion by 2033 to reach 7% of the Canadian economy and will employ almost 2.1 million people across the country, with one in 11 Canadians working in the sector.
CANADA’S TOP 100 RESTAURANTS 2023
Appetizers at Major Tom restaurant in Calgary, Alberta. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants has issued its list for 2023. Montreal comes out on top with Mon Lapin, but Toronto took seven spots in the top 20. Vancouver had five restaurants in the top 20, while Montreal had three (four if you count Beba in the Montreal suburb of Verdun).
Here’s a link to the full list. Below are the top 20.
|
