Canada has a new tourism strategy aimed at cementing the country as a top global destination. The new strategy, announced today in Niagara Falls, “will unleash the full potential of Canadian tourism and cement Canada as a top global destination” through the following five priorities: Investing in Canada’s tourism assets Embracing recreation and the great outdoors Partnering to grow Indigenous tourism Attracting more international events Improving coordination through a federal ministerial council Attracting more international events would presumably help Canada’s biggest cities. Given the interest in indigenous tourism around the world, that also seems like a good strategy (as well Read more
Indigenous Tourism
It could take another three years for Ontario’s tourism industry to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a major new study says. A report from The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released today, calls for sweeping changes, including keeping the Ontario staycation tax credit, boosting cannabis tourism, providing better train and rapid transit service, giving indigenous tourism a push, and boosting affordable housing for workers. The study says tourism businesses in Canada’s most populous province are generating less than two-thirds (64%) of the revenues they saw in 2019, and that 70% have taken on debt Read more
Demand for travel shows no signs of slowing, and there are positive signs for business travel and travel to Asia, a new study says. Expedia’s Traveler Insights report for the third quarter of 2022 paints a far rosier picture for the industry than would’ve been the case a year ago. Almost one-half of consumers surveyed said they have plans to travel internationally, and they’re also more willing to book a year or more in advance. Expedia said interest in Thailand and Hong Kong is on the rise, and that online searches for trips to Japanese cities rose 60% in the Read more
Air Canada is getting into the electric airplane business. Canada’s largest airline today announced a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace of Sweden. The revolutionary regional aircraft, expected to enter service in 2028, will generate zero emissions flying on battery power and yield significant operational savings and benefits. Under the agreement, Air Canada has also acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace. Saab also is buying a stake, according to published reports. “Air Canada has taken a leadership position in the industry to address climate change. The introduction into our fleet of Read more
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21st honours National Indigenous Peoples Day. Recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to support Indigenous businesses while getting out and exploring all corners of the country in a meaningful and enriching way. Indigenous activities are happening across the country from now until the end of June, giving everyone ample opportunity to participate no matter where they’re located. A few examples include: · Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, June 9-12 in Toronto · Read more
