Marquee Tourism Events Program

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government has announced the Marquee Tourism Events Program, which will provide $100 million over two years to help existing marquee tourism events deliver world-class programs and experiences in support of tourism and the visitor economy.

Federal Tourism Strategy

Tourism is an increasingly important industry that supports small businesses and provides employment to Canadians across the country. The policies and programs of many federal departments and agencies have an impact on the tourism industry. In recognition of this, the Government of Canada made a commitment in Budget 2009 to improve the effectiveness of the support to the tourism sector through a Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS). The development of an FTS will aim at bringing greater coherence to the policies and programs that support tourism, thereby supporting long-term economic growth in Canada.

About the Canadian Tourism Industry

Tourism is an important driver of economic activity in all regions of Canada. Tourism contributes as much to our country's wealth as agriculture, fisheries and forestry combined.

In 2008, tourism activity generated over $74 billion in revenues, represented 2% of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) and directly employed over 660,000 Canadians.

Tourism is crucial to the bottom-line of key industry sectors, the primary source of revenues for passenger airlines and accommodation properties. Tourism also supports restaurants and the entertainment industry, including performing arts, cultural and sporting events, and a variety of small- and medium-sized businesses.

Many federal government departments and agencies have legislative mandates, programs and initiatives which impact tourism. Collectively, government departments and agencies invested over $540 million a year in 2007-2008 in initiatives that had a direct, positive impact on tourism, a 34% increase over the previous year.

In addition, Budget 2009 announced significant new funding to address immediate challenges facing the visitor economy, in particular a slow and steady decline in international visitors, made worse by the current global economic turmoil.

At Industry Canada, the Tourism Directorate leads federal tourism policy development by engaging with other departments on issues that impact tourism and in working cooperatively with provincial and territorial governments to help expand tourism.

Visitor Information

Visit the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) for information on Canada.

Find out about Canada's visa requirements.

Find out what documents you will need when you travel to the United States.
 

Image provided by the Canadian Tourism Commission