National tourism indicators

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Tourism spending in Canada increased 1.3% in real terms in the first quarter, as outlays by both international visitors to Canada and Canadians were up.

This was the third consecutive increase in tourism spending in Canada. These increases followed four consecutive quarters of declines that started in the summer of 2008.

Increase in spending by international visitors

Spending by international visitors to Canada was up 5.9% in real terms in the first quarter. This was the largest quarterly increase since the fourth quarter of 2003. The Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games held in February and March contributed to this increase.

Outlays by international visitors on passenger air transport were up 11.4% in the first quarter. Spending on vehicle fuel was 2.8% higher compared with the fourth quarter of 2009.

Spending by international visitors on accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, and non-tourism commodities, such as groceries and clothing, all increased during the first quarter.

Tourism spending of Canadians at home rises at a slower pace

Spending on tourism in Canada by Canadians increased 0.3% in real terms in the first quarter, following a 1.2% increase in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Spending on transportation was lower in the first quarter than in the previous quarter. Passenger air transport decreased 1.9%, as travel by Canadians to non-US destinations declined (in the National tourism indicators, Canadians' spending on international transportation with Canadian carriers is counted as spending in Canada and is thus included in tourism domestic spending).

Expenditures on accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment and non-tourism commodities all increased in the first quarter.

Tourism gross domestic product expands

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) increased 1.3% in the first quarter, the third consecutive quarter of growth. Gains were registered across all tourism industries. In the transportation industry, tourism GDP edged up 0.1%.

Tourism employment was unchanged in the first quarter from the fourth quarter of 2009.

Available on CANSIM: tables 387-0001 to 387-0010.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1910.

The first 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.ca), Income and Expenditure Accounts Division.