2016 was the second-biggest year ever in Canadian tourism

Feb 21 2017, 11:12 pm

19,979,334.

That’s how many travellers landed in Canada in 2016, and it’s the highest number since 2002 and second highest ever, according to Destination Canada. It was just 0.4 per cent below the record set back in 2002.

International arrivals increased by 16% over 2015 levels in Destination Canada’s overseas markets, and a record-breaking number of US travellers arrived by air in Canada, with an increase of over 17% compared to 2015.

“Congratulations to the Canadian tourism industry on an incredible 2016 – so excited to work together to ensure this growth continues!” said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, in a statement. “As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday this year, let’s also celebrate our tourism operators and industry leaders, and recognize their role in supporting economic growth for middle class Canadians.”

Besides the growth in US travellers, new arrivals records were set in the following Destination Canada markets:

  • South Korea – 244,442 arrivals, an increase of 30 per cent over 2015
  • China – 610,139 arrivals, an increase of 24 per cent  over 2015
  • Australia – 333,437 arrivals, an increase of 16 per cent over 2015
  • India – 215,664 arrivals, an increase of 13 per cent over 2015
  • France – 545,786 arrivals, an increase of 9 per cent over 2015
  • Brazil – 114,261 arrivals, an increase of 2 per cent over 2015.

Destination Canada’s CEO and President David F. Goldstein called this great news.

“Canada is open, welcoming, and has something for everyone—and people are seeing that,” he said in a statement. “Together with our industry partners, we are encouraging travellers to explore Canada and experience a life less ordinary. I couldn’t think of a better time to visit than right now.”

Destination Canada produces regular data, market intelligence and industry analysis to help businesses market to international travellers and grow Canada’s tourism industry.

Destination Canada – 2016 Year in Review (CNW Group/Destination Canada)

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