Canada's National Tourism Week kicked off Monday, 30MAY in Ottawa, with industry leaders emphasizing determination to grow back one of the hardest-hit industries of the pandemic.
The seven-day awareness campaign invites private- and public-sector tourism and travel partners to promote Canadian destinations, businesses, and employees.
This year’s theme is: "Travel now. For work, life, and play!"
TIAC (the Tourism Industry Association of Canada) says that theme was chosen to emphasize that tourism in Canada is "open for business." And it took on a new tone in its first post-pandemic year.
“After two years, we are safely welcoming domestic and international visitors back, showcasing Canada as a destination of choice on the global stage thanks to our country’s values of safety, respect, and inclusivity,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, in attendance at the Ottawa event.
“We are working with all orders of government, industry and indigenous partners to renew the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, and set the course for growth, investment and stability in the sector for decades to come."
TIAC's president and CEO reinforced the industry's open arms to a world of travellers making up for lost pandemic time. “We are open for business and ready to re-welcome travelers from all over the world, whether for pleasure or business,” said Beth Potter.
“The recovery of Canada’s visitor economy is key to Canada’s overall economic growth – and we still have a long way to go. It is vital that this once $105 billion industry in Canada be recognized and celebrated for the important economic driver it is.”
While Tourism Week has been held for over a decade, organizers point out how this year's may be more important than ever before, to "encourage all tourism partners to come together to celebrate tourism as vital to the Canadian economy and to the social and cultural fabric of communities across the nation," says TIAC in a statement.
“As Canada’s tourism sector moves into phase of rebuilding and growth following the COVID-19 lockdowns and emergency measures, there is understandable excitement and optimism in the air,” said Boissonnault.
Other parliamentarians reinforced those sentiments.
“From coast to coast to coast, Canada is home to one-of-a-kind tourism experiences, from natural wonders and important historical sites to world-class museums, performing arts venues, attractions and activities," said Senator Karen Sorensen, the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus.
"After a very hard few years for the industry, I'd like to join Canada's tourism operators in welcoming back visitors from around the world and encouraging everyone to get out and experience what Canada has to offer."
And the West Coast MP Patrick Weiler, who is Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus pointed out, "The tourism industry employed 1 of every 11 Canadians pre-pandemic, as it welcomed people from Canada and around the world to every corner of our beautiful and diverse nation. Canada is committed to working with this critical sector so that it can continue to play a central role in our economic recovery as tourists return."
Tourism Week will run until 04JUN. You can learn more about Tourism Week 2022 here.
