National tourism indicators
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Tourism spending in Canada rose 0.3% in real terms in the fourth quarter, as increased outlays by Canadians at home more than offset a decline in foreign tourism spending in Canada.
This was the sixth consecutive quarterly increase in tourism spending in Canada for a cumulative gain of 6.7% since the second quarter of 2009.
Tourism spending at home continues to advance
Domestic tourism spending by Canadians was up 0.4% in the fourth quarter, continuing an upward trend that began in the third quarter of 2009.
The increase occurred despite a drop in passenger air transport, the largest spending category. Spending on airfares declined 0.9% following a 5.6% gain in the previous quarter. As a result, spending on transportation services was down 0.4%.
Note to readers
Growth rates of tourism spending and gross domestic product are expressed in real terms (that is, adjusted for price changes) as well as adjusted for seasonal variations, unless otherwise indicated. Employment data are also seasonally adjusted. Associated percentage changes are presented at quarterly rates unless otherwise noted.
Higher spending on accommodation, food and beverage services and, most notably, non-tourism commodities such as groceries, souvenirs and clothing contributed to the overall increase in tourism outlays at home.
Spending by international visitors in Canada edges down
Outlays by foreign visitors in Canada edged down 0.2% in the fourth quarter, following a 1.6% gain in the previous quarter. Lower spending on passenger air transport (-0.8%) and non-tourism commodities (-2.2%) contributed to the decline. Spending on accommodation, food and beverage services and recreation and entertainment advanced.
Fuel consumption declined as same-day travel from the United States fell 3.6%. Overnight travel from the United States increased 0.3% while overnight travel from overseas countries edged down 0.1%.
Tourism gross domestic product expands
Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 0.3% in the fourth quarter, the sixth consecutive quarterly increase. The accommodation, food and beverage services and other tourism industries (such as travel services and recreation and entertainment) all posted gains. Tourism GDP for the transportation industry declined.
Tourism employment increased 0.2% in the fourth quarter. This was the second consecutive quarterly gain in tourism employment, led by growth in the accommodation and non-tourism industries.
Available on CANSIM: tables 387-0001 to 387-0010.
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1910.
The fourth quarter 2010 issue of National Tourism Indicators, Quarterly estimates (13-009-X, free), is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact the information officer (613-951-3640; iead-info-dcrd@statcan.gc.ca), Income and Expenditure Accounts Division.
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