Arts, entertainment and recreation services

Performing arts companies (such as theatre, opera and dance companies) generated $1.2 billion in operating revenues in 2003, up 16.7% from 2002. Operating profits also increased from 5.9% in 2002 to 7.1% in 2003.

The spectator sports industry, which includes professional and semi-professional sports clubs and teams and horse racing, reported operating revenues of $2.2 billion, up slightly from $2.1 billion the previous year. Salaries and wages accounted for 43.9% of the total operating expenses for the spectator sports sector.

The other amusement and recreation services industry generated $5.7 billion in revenue in 2003, a slight increase from $5.4 billion the previous year. The ski industry reported operating revenues of $786.7 million in 2003, up from $767.8 million the previous year. In addition, these companies saw operating profit fall from 11.4% in 2002 to 9.3% in 2003 due to higher operating expenses.

Clement weather conditions helped the golf industry realize operating revenues of $1.9 billion and operating profits of $132.8 million in 2003. Lastly, fitness and recreational sports centres reported operating revenues of $1.3 billion, up 10.6% from 2002 revenues.

The Annual Survey of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services provides a broad picture of the arts, entertainment and recreation sector and covers both for profit and not-for profit performing arts companies. The Survey of Performing Arts is conducted every two years to track developments in a subset of the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, specifically, not-for-profit professional live arts production companies. For more information on the performing arts, consult the free online publication Performing Arts: Data Tables (87F0003XIE).

Available on CANSIM: table 361-0002.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2425.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Sharon Neufeld (613-951-5255; sharon.neufeld@a.statcan.ca) or Frank Menezes (613-951-6192; frank.menezes@a.statcan.ca), Service Industries Division.