This report is a forecast of tourism activity in Canada, the provinces, and Yukon plus the outlook for domestic, United States, and key overseas markets such as Europe and Asia. Travel prices are examined, including costs of travel (air, rail, and car); accommodation; food and beverages; as well as recreation and entertainment. A companion publication, Travel Markets Outlook: Metropolitan Focus, forecasts tourism activity in nine Canadian cities.
Travel Markets Outlook: National Focus, Spring 2016
Travel Markets Outlook: National Focus, Spring 2016
Canadian Tourism Analysis
$1,165.00
- Domestic overnight travel by Canadians is projected to increase by 2.1 per cent this year due to low gas prices and a Canadian dollar still trading below US$0.80.
- While the growth in overnight travel from the United States is projected to be more modest in 2016 than last year, visits will expand a further 5.1 per cent, thanks to a strong U.S. economy and a favourable exchange rate.
- Overseas arrivals to Canada are forecast to increase 5.2 per cent this year, with visitors from Europe slated to grow by 3 per cent, and from Asia, 8 per cent.
- The economies of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba have all benefited from increased export demand and, as a result, are expected to see stronger gains in domestic pleasure travel than resource-dependent provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- In particular, Quebec has gained from the strong U.S. economy and a resulting rise in provincial consumer confidence levels and disposable incomes. Overall, domestic pleasure travel in the province should expand a further 2.4 per cent this year.
- Ontario, after registering very strong growth in tourism activity in 2015, will see a slight easing of growth in 2016. Still, the many new festivals in Northern Ontario plus the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships will help boost pleasure travel in the province. Meanwhile, solid growth in overseas visitors will continue with new direct air capacity from Brazil and East Asia.
- Manitoba has a well-diversified economy and increases in overnight travel are forecast. Domestic business travel is expected to increase by 3.3 per cent. Overnight travel from the U.S. and overseas are expected to get a boost by low gas prices and the favourable Canadian dollar.
- British Columbia’s strong provincial economy is once again expected to help boost tourism activity this year. Overnight visits to the province are expected to rise by 3.6 per cent this year, helped by solid gains in domestic and international travel markets.
- Overnight travel to the Yukon is forecast to increase by 4.4 per cent this year, due to better direct air capacity, a new government marketing campaign, and increased funding for Aboriginal tourism.
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