OTTAWA, ON March 22, 2017 - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) applauds today’s budget pledge to provide significant support to help bolster marketing efforts for the Canadian tourism industry. 

“The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is pleased that tourism marketing continues to be a priority in this year’s federal budget.  Making permanent the $37.5 million per year in temporary funding previously provided to Destination Canada, starting in 2018–19, provides certainty and will allow Destination Canada to continue its strong collaboration with industry partners to maximize the impacts of its marketing campaigns to draw in more tourists from abroad and increase economic activity for the sector. We are also pleased to see investments of $8.6 million over four years to support the development of Canada’s unique and authentic Indigenous tourism industry as well as the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada’s five-year Indigenous Tourism Strategy” stated Charlotte Bell, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

“Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world. Federal funding to advance Canada’s reputation in niche markets with growing popularity will help keep Canada competitive”, Bell added.

The Government has also pledged an additional $13.6 million over 5 years to broaden Statistics Canada’s data collection capability, and $2.7 million in continuing funding after this period. The budget also includes significant investments to continue to manage Parks Canada and to complete the Trans-Canada Trail.

 “TIAC wishes to recognize the enthusiastic support for the tourism industry shown by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, who champion our industry in a non-partisan manner in both Houses of Parliament,” concluded Bell.