Author:
Tourism Economics & Destination Canada
DC&tourism economiscs.webpDC&tourism economiscs.webp
Language:
English

The Value of Travel and Tourism in Canada

April 2025
Marketing

Visitor spending produces significant benefits to Canadian households and businesses. Tourism is a catalyst for economic activity in Canada. In 2023, the industry generated $124.4 billion in tourism revenue, exceeding pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Domestic travel led the recovery with $95.5 billion in spending, while international visitors added $28.9 billion to the economy. Tourism functions as an export since international travellers bring new money into Canada. In 2019, international visitor spending was Canada’s top service export.

The direct visitor spending impact of $124.4 billion generated a total economic impact of $252.2 billion in Canada in 2023, including indirect and induced impacts. This total economic impact sustained nearly 1.1 million jobs and generated approximately $50.9 billion in total tax revenues in 2023.

Tourism is one of Canada’s most valuable economic engines. The evidence demonstrates that investing in the tourism sector generates exceptional returns, and Destination Canada plays a pivotal role in maximizing those returns. Their marketing activities create a multiplier effect that benefits communities throughout Canada, directly supporting jobs, income, and tax revenue.

Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics

Contents:

  • Destination Canada Delivers a Proven Return on Investment (ROI)
  • International Visitors are Vital to the Canadian Travel and Tourism Economy
  • Tourism as a Driver of Exports
  • Destination Canada’s Direct Return on Investment
  • Total Economic Impact of Destination Canada
  • Destination Canada’s Strong Economic Outcomes

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The Value of Travel and Tourism in Canada

April 2025
Marketing

Visitor spending produces significant benefits to Canadian households and businesses. Tourism is a catalyst for economic activity in Canada. In 2023, the industry generated $124.4 billion in tourism revenue, exceeding pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Domestic travel led the recovery with $95.5 billion in spending, while international visitors added $28.9 billion to the economy. Tourism functions as an export since international travellers bring new money into Canada. In 2019, international visitor spending was Canada’s top service export.

The direct visitor spending impact of $124.4 billion generated a total economic impact of $252.2 billion in Canada in 2023, including indirect and induced impacts. This total economic impact sustained nearly 1.1 million jobs and generated approximately $50.9 billion in total tax revenues in 2023.

Tourism is one of Canada’s most valuable economic engines. The evidence demonstrates that investing in the tourism sector generates exceptional returns, and Destination Canada plays a pivotal role in maximizing those returns. Their marketing activities create a multiplier effect that benefits communities throughout Canada, directly supporting jobs, income, and tax revenue.

Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics

Contents:

  • Destination Canada Delivers a Proven Return on Investment (ROI)
  • International Visitors are Vital to the Canadian Travel and Tourism Economy
  • Tourism as a Driver of Exports
  • Destination Canada’s Direct Return on Investment
  • Total Economic Impact of Destination Canada
  • Destination Canada’s Strong Economic Outcomes