Canada Aims High but Faces Obstacles in Ambitious Tourism Targets Post-Pandemic
Canada is setting its sights on reclaiming its place among the top tourist destinations in the world post-pandemic, with the federal government aiming to rise to the seventh spot by 2030. Despite slipping to 13th place in 2021 on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, Canada is determined to increase its annual tourism revenues and boost its economic contribution.
However, experts warn that achieving these goals won’t be a walk in the park. With challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions, the high cost of travel within the country, and the looming threat of climate change, Canada’s tourism sector faces an uphill battle.
Frederic Dimanche, the director of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasized that the ranking is not just about visitor numbers but also factors like safety, transportation quality, and cultural attractions. Canada’s success also hinges on how well other nations are faring in the tourism sector.
The new strategy released by Destination Canada outlines initiatives to attract target audiences, enhance branding efforts, and prioritize environmental sustainability in tourism development. Despite the potential growth from family and friend visits and the rising demand for Indigenous-based tourism, Canada continues to grapple with hurdles like strained international relations and visa restrictions.
While the domestic tourism market remains strong, attracting foreign visitors is essential for injecting new money into the sector. Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure to make travel within Canada more accessible and affordable.
However, obstacles such as strained diplomatic ties, visa requirements, and the impacts of climate change threaten to impede Canada’s tourism ambitions. Despite the challenges, industry players remain optimistic about the potential for growth and the unique offerings Canada has to showcase to the world.
Canada is setting its sights on reclaiming its place among the top tourist destinations in the world post-pandemic, with the federal government aiming to rise to the seventh spot by 2030. Despite slipping to 13th place in 2021 on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, Canada is determined to increase its annual tourism revenues and boost its economic contribution.
However, experts warn that achieving these goals won’t be a walk in the park. With challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions, the high cost of travel within the country, and the looming threat of climate change, Canada’s tourism sector faces an uphill battle.
Frederic Dimanche, the director of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasized that the ranking is not just about visitor numbers but also factors like safety, transportation quality, and cultural attractions. Canada’s success also hinges on how well other nations are faring in the tourism sector.
The new strategy released by Destination Canada outlines initiatives to attract target audiences, enhance branding efforts, and prioritize environmental sustainability in tourism development. Despite the potential growth from family and friend visits and the rising demand for Indigenous-based tourism, Canada continues to grapple with hurdles like strained international relations and visa restrictions.
While the domestic tourism market remains strong, attracting foreign visitors is essential for injecting new money into the sector. Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure to make travel within Canada more accessible and affordable.
However, obstacles such as strained diplomatic ties, visa requirements, and the impacts of climate change threaten to impede Canada’s tourism ambitions. Despite the challenges, industry players remain optimistic about the potential for growth and the unique offerings Canada has to showcase to the world.
