Canada Tourism To Remain Strong In 2017
by Richard D'Ambrosio /
Overnight visits to Canada are expected to increase by 3.7% this year as a low Canadian dollar and increased direct service spur more inbound tourism. According to The Conference Board of Canada’s latest Travel Markets Outlook, the fact that Canada is seen as “a safe travel destination” will also contribute to the country’s continued success.
Domestic pleasure travel is expected to grow by 3.4% in 2017, boosted by Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation and Montreal’s 375th anniversary, while inbound tourism from the United States, up 9.5% in 2016, will see a further increase of 5.3% this year.
The Ottawa-Gatineau capital region will experience the strongest growth in overnight visits in 2017 at 6%, as tourists come to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. Ottawa-Gatineau is also expected to experience the strongest growth in domestic pleasure travel at 7%.
Quebec City will experience a 3.8% increase in overnight visits in 2017, with a new indoor water park opening and the expansion of the Musée National des Beaux-arts contributing to the city’s overall attractions. Meanwhile, in Montreal, events planned to commemorate the city’s 375th anniversary will boost Montreal’s overnight travel by 5.5%
Toronto will host the Invictus Games and NHL’s centennial classic game, and is forecast to see overnight stays increase 4.5% this year. Following a record 2016 for overnight travel, Vancouver should see 5% growth in overnight visits in 2017.