Tourism sector growth is strongly linked to the government’s goals for national sovereignty and expediting nation-building projects that connect and transform our country. These objectives can each be advanced through greater investment and increased efficiencies in transporting people to and between urban and rural destinations.

Unfortunately, the lack of a cohesive national connectivity plan, including air travel and integrated regional transportation, limits Canadian destinations from unlocking their full potential in meeting international demand. This gap also reduces the appeal of Canada’s tourism sector for global investors, hindering opportunities for growth and investment.

Both the FTGS and the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities recommend investment in affordable and environmentally friendly transportation to connect travellers to and throughout Canada while stimulating growth in emerging tourism hubs and local economies nationwide. Unfortunately, without better dispersion of international travellers and multi-modal connections between urban and rural communities, Canada’s tourism sector risks leaving significant growth and economic potential untapped.

Recommendation 3

Develop a national, multi-modal transportation strategy that expands and enhances rural-urban connectivity and improves traveller access to and throughout Canada. Informed by expert consultation and supported by research, a national strategy will make sure that destinations can embrace the community benefits and economic impacts of tourism to reinforce Canada’s reputation as a globally competitive destination.