The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy. It provides employment opportunities and generates revenue for the country.
So, how many Canadians work in the tourism industry? Let’s explore.
Overview of the Tourism Industry in Canada
According to Statistics Canada, the tourism industry in Canada employs over 1.8 million people, which accounts for 10% of the total workforce in Canada. Moreover, it contributes approximately $102 billion to the Canadian economy annually.
Which Sectors Contribute to Tourism Employment?
The tourism industry comprises various sectors such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, travel services, and more. Out of these sectors, accommodation and food services are the top two sectors that provide employment opportunities in the tourism industry.
Accommodation Sector:
The accommodation sector includes hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and other short-term accommodations. According to Statistics Canada’s 2018 data on employment by industry, this sector employed around 173 thousand people.
Food and Beverage Services:
The food and beverage sector includes restaurants, cafes and other eateries that provide meals to customers. As per Statistics Canada’s 2018 data on employment by industry report; this sector employed around 1 million people.
Recreation & Entertainment:
The recreation & entertainment sector includes amusement parks, museums, art galleries and more. This sector employed around 250 thousand people as per data from Statistics Canada’s 2018 report on employment by industry.
The Future of Tourism Employment in Canada
As per Destination Canada’s Tourism Snapshot (June 2021), domestic travel has increased significantly since June 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting international travel. This increase has led to an increase in demand for accommodations and restaurants across various regions of Canada.
Moreover, the Canadian government has announced various initiatives, such as the Tourism Relief Fund, to support tourism businesses affected by the pandemic. These initiatives are expected to create more job opportunities in the tourism industry in the coming years.
Conclusion
Tourism is an essential industry that contributes significantly to Canada’s economy and provides employment opportunities to over 1.8 million Canadians. The accommodation and food services sectors are the top two sectors that provide employment opportunities in this industry. With government support and increased domestic travel demand, job opportunities in this sector are expected to increase in the future.