Headline: Canada’s Ambitious Tourism Targets Face Uphill Battle Amid Geopolitical Challenges and Climate Change
In an effort to reclaim its position among the top 10 tourist destinations globally, Canada has set ambitious post-pandemic tourism targets. Despite the federal government aiming to boost Canada’s ranking to seventh place by 2030 and increase annual tourism revenues, experts warn that achieving these goals will be no easy feat.
Frederic Dimanche, director of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasizes that factors like safety, security, transportation infrastructure, natural and cultural resources play a crucial role in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. While Destination Canada has outlined a new strategy to reach these targets, challenges loom large.
The strained Canada-China relationship presents a significant hurdle, with China not including Canada in its approved tours list, leading to a substantial loss in business. Overseas conflicts impact air routes and pricing, causing a decline in foreign visitors to Canada. Despite domestic travel rebounding post-pandemic, the influx of foreign tourists remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Experts underscore the need for focusing on growing domestic demand in the tourism sector, while also targeting foreign markets to drive economic growth. Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlights the significance of tourism as a major economic driver supporting millions of jobs across Canada.
However, challenges persist, including strained relations with India, reinstated visa requirements for Mexican visitors, and high travel costs within the vast country. The government aims to invest in transportation infrastructure to make travel more accessible and affordable.
Climate change also poses a growing threat, impacting Canada’s reputation internationally. Despite these challenges, there is optimism within the industry for potential growth through increased family and friend visits, Indigenous-based tourism, and extending the tourist season.
While obstacles lie ahead, stakeholders in the tourism sector remain hopeful for Canada’s tourism resurgence by establishing stronger international relations, increasing investment in the industry, and showcasing the country’s diverse attractions.
In an effort to reclaim its position among the top 10 tourist destinations globally, Canada has set ambitious post-pandemic tourism targets. Despite the federal government aiming to boost Canada’s ranking to seventh place by 2030 and increase annual tourism revenues, experts warn that achieving these goals will be no easy feat.
Frederic Dimanche, director of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasizes that factors like safety, security, transportation infrastructure, natural and cultural resources play a crucial role in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. While Destination Canada has outlined a new strategy to reach these targets, challenges loom large.
The strained Canada-China relationship presents a significant hurdle, with China not including Canada in its approved tours list, leading to a substantial loss in business. Overseas conflicts impact air routes and pricing, causing a decline in foreign visitors to Canada. Despite domestic travel rebounding post-pandemic, the influx of foreign tourists remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Experts underscore the need for focusing on growing domestic demand in the tourism sector, while also targeting foreign markets to drive economic growth. Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlights the significance of tourism as a major economic driver supporting millions of jobs across Canada.
However, challenges persist, including strained relations with India, reinstated visa requirements for Mexican visitors, and high travel costs within the vast country. The government aims to invest in transportation infrastructure to make travel more accessible and affordable.
Climate change also poses a growing threat, impacting Canada’s reputation internationally. Despite these challenges, there is optimism within the industry for potential growth through increased family and friend visits, Indigenous-based tourism, and extending the tourist season.
While obstacles lie ahead, stakeholders in the tourism sector remain hopeful for Canada’s tourism resurgence by establishing stronger international relations, increasing investment in the industry, and showcasing the country’s diverse attractions.
