Arts, entertainment and recreation services

Operating revenues for golf courses and fitness and recreation centres soared in 2004, reflecting the huge increase in golfers and the fitness rage among Canadians, according to new data for the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Fitness and recreation centres accounted for the biggest gain. These centres reported revenue of more than $1.5 billion in 2004, up 20.8% from the year before.

The number of fitness and recreational sports centres in Canada has also grown with overall spending encouraged by rising personal incomes, and increasing awareness of health and fitness among the burgeoning set of baby boomers.

The spectator sports industry, which includes professional and semi-professional sports clubs and teams as well as horse racing, reported operating revenues totalling nearly $2.3 billion. In current dollars, this was a 4.9% increase compared to 2003.

The operating profit margin for the the spectator sports industry rose to 0.9% in 2004 from -3.1% the year before. Salaries and wages accounted for 48% of total operating expenses for the industry.

(Much of the 2004 data for sports teams represented the 2003/2004 sports season; accordingly, the results of the 2004/2005 hockey season are not reflected in these data.)

Golf courses and country clubs had operating revenues of $2.3 billion, up 15.1%, while they generated $141.6 million in operating profits. Although ski hills reported a more modest revenue increase of 2.6%, their operating profits rose to 11.3% in 2004, slightly higher than the 9.3% reported in 2003.

The Annual Survey of Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services provides a broad picture of the sector, and formerly covered performing arts companies. These companies are now covered by the Survey of Service Industries: Performing Arts. Data for 2004 from this new survey will be available in June 2006.

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 Ron Browne (613-951-2586; fax: 613-951-6696 ron.browne@statcan.gc.ca), Joan Farnworth (613-951-6303; joan.farnworth@statcan.gc.ca), Service Industries Division.