National tourism indicators

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Tourism spending in Canada was up 1.5% in real terms in the second quarter, as increased spending by Canadians more than offset a decline in spending by international visitors to Canada.

This was the fourth consecutive advance in tourism spending in Canada. With this recent upswing, tourism spending has recovered from its year-long decline that began in the third quarter of 2008.

Tourism spending by Canadians at home increases

Canadians' spending in Canada on tourism advanced 2.2% in real terms in the second quarter, following a 0.6% gain in the first quarter.

Spending on passenger air transport, the largest component of the transportation category, increased 6.4%, as Canadians travelled more abroad (in the National tourism indicators, Canadians' spending on international transportation with Canadian carriers is counted as spending in Canada). Excluding passenger air, domestic tourism spending increased 1.0% in the second quarter.

Canadians increased their spending on most other tourism commodities, notably vehicle fuel, accommodation and travel services.

Spending by international visitors declines

Spending by international visitors to Canada fell 1.4% in real terms in the second quarter. This decline followed a strong gain in the first quarter that was related to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Outlays of international visitors on passenger air transport fell 2.7%. Spending on vehicle fuel was 4.1% lower compared with the previous quarter, as same-day travel from the United States continued its downward trend.

Spending by international visitors was also down in most other categories, notably recreation and entertainment and travel services.

Tourism gross domestic product expands

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.9% in the second quarter, the fourth consecutive quarterly advance. Gains were registered across most tourism industries, notably in transportation (+1.2%).

The strength in tourism GDP did not translate into employment, however, as tourism jobs declined 0.5% compared with the first quarter. Job gains in the recreation and entertainment and non-tourism industries were not enough to compensate for job losses in other tourism industries.

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

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1910.

The second 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.