This makes perfect sense. India is a member of the Commonwealth. It’s the largest nation by population on earth. There are tons of India residents with family and friends in Canada, and there are many flights that run between the two countries. The Indian middle class also is growing, and they’re taking more international trips than ever.
Which is why Destination Canada, Air Canada, and Lufthansa Group have announced a joint pilot aimed at attracting target travellers from South India to Canada. The intention is to influence prospective Indian travellers to choose Canada as their destination for spring and summer 2027 and years to come.
This new partnership brings together Destination Canada’s Canada,naturally brand platform, destination storytelling, and target guest insights with Air Canada and Lufthansa Group’s customer intelligence, international networks, marketing capabilities and commercial distribution.
The partnership was made official during a signing ceremony in Mumbai, as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to India, led by Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. The mission aims to build on the growing economic partnership and expansion of bilateral trade between Canada and India and help Canadian businesses position themselves and expand in a high-growth market.
Tourism is one of Canada’s most immediate and scalable export opportunities and is projected to contribute up to 10% of Canada’s goal to double non-US exports by 2030.
Spectacular Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, B.C. Jim Byers Photo
Connecting storytelling directly to airline search and reservation engines
The collaboration aims to create a more seamless path from travel intent to flight confirmation, reaching valuable travellers through platforms they already know and use, and will come to life through destination storytelling, creator-led content and targeted marketing
The initiative is aligned with a broader shift in how global travellers discover, plan, and book trips to Canada. By combining audience insights, shared resources, and commercial infrastructure, the partners aim to determine whether deeper airline integration and partnerships can expand international demand faster and more efficiently than individually led campaigns.
Bringing more visitors from India would give a significant boost to the economy of Canada, where roughly one in ten jobs are in the travel and tourism industry.
SO MANY PLACES TO SEE, SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE
Canada remains one of the world’s most loved countries. We’re relatively clean, we’re safe, we have a huge variety of things to see and do, and we have warm and welcoming people from around the world.
Here are a few places I’d suggest Indian travellers check out.
The Rockies: Of course, Banff and Alberta are well known around the world. But there’s also Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta and Yoho National Park on the B.C. side of the Rockies. Both offer tremendous mountain and nature experiences.
Atlantic Canada: Some of the nicest people on earth. Not to mention spectacular seafood, lonely beaches, early summer icebergs (you don’t seee those in India) historic lighthouses, and cool cities like Halifax and St. John’s. There are terrific sights all over Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador. It might be my favourite area of Canada.
A ride on the Wenonah II on Lake Muskoka in southern Ontario. Jim Byers Photo
Ontario: With its world-class cuisine, top museums and great hotels, Toronto is a big draw from people around the world. There’s also a very sizeable Indian/South Asian community in the city and surrounding region. Toss in close-by attractions like the nature of Muskoka, the Stratford Festival and the wineries and attractions of Niagara Region, and you’ve got a seriously tremendous draw.
British Columbia and Yukon: B.C. is the gateway for many visitors from India, and there’s a very large South Asian community in the Lower Mainland. Vancouver’s sheer beauty is a big attraction for visitors from around the world, as is the charm of Victoria and the B.C.coastal and mountain wilderness. Toss in the fun and funky Yukon, with its rich history and tremendous nature, and you’ve got a very strong case for more visitation.
Quebec: La Belle Province offers up Montreal, one of North America’s most interesting and multicultural cities, as well as the magnificence and French influence of Quebec City. There’s also amazing nature along the St. Lawrence River and in the Gaspe region, and lovely villages to explore in the Eastern Townships. Not to mention the sensational Magdalen Islands.
The Prairies: The wide open skies and welcoming locals in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are big draws for many visitors. Winnipeg offers up everything from great food to The Museum of Human Rights, while the north gives travellers the chance to see polar bears in the wild. Saskatchewan is home to both Regina and Saskatoon, where you’ll find fabulous cuisine and fun neighbourhoods to explore. Just outside of town is Wanuskewin, where visitors can learn about the fascinating, rich culture of local, indigenous people.
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