Travel arrangements industry

Travel agents, tour operators and reservation services recorded a small gain in operating profits in 2002 despite the looming conflict in Iraq and a global economic downturn.

Total operating revenue for the travel arrangements industry reached $8.0 billion, up 2.2% from 2001. In 2002, the industry reported an operating profit margin of 2.1%.

Revenue for travel agencies increased 2.2%, almost identical to the 2.3% gain for tour operators. However, the sources of their revenues varied.

Travel agencies drew about two-thirds (63%) of revenue from selling travel services and products to individuals or households for leisure purposes. Sales to business travellers accounted for 30%.

In comparison, 80% of revenue for tour operators came from sales to leisure travellers.

About 6,900 establishments provided travel arrangement services in 2002. Over three-quarters (78%) were working in the travel agencies industry, while just over 17% were tour operators.

Available on CANSIM: table 351-0003.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2423.

Data for the 2002 travel arrangement services industry are now available. These data provide information such as revenue, salaries and wages, profit margin, expenditures and client base for North American Industry Classification System codes 561510, 561520 and 561590.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Janine Stafford (613-951-3288: janine.stafford@statcan.gc.ca) or Joan Farnworth (613-951-6303; joan.farnworth@statcan.gc.ca), Services Industries Division.