Statistics Canada released their monthly numbers, with the March numbers now made available. This month’s updates are very positive for the industry. In comparison to last March, visitation was up 15% and we saw double-digit growth in numbers from the U.S. (+16.2%) showing that marketing investments in America are still paying off.

In overseas markets, the U.K. finally showed positive growth for the first time this year growing 9% over last March. China (+34.2%) and Mexico (+39.5%) are also continuing to break records for visitation. Interestingly, for the first time ever, China has moved into second position in terms of visitation to Canada during the first quarter of 2018. This is encouraging and a trend that we will continue to monitor as the year progresses. Unfortunately, we are still seeing a downward trend from the Japanese market (-15.5 from last march).

While we won’t begin getting tourism ‘high season’ numbers until later this summer, the industry is starting off in a very strong position!