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Fourth quarter 2009 (Previous release)

Tourism spending in Canada increased 0.4% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2009, as outlays by both international visitors to Canada and Canadians were up. This was the second consecutive increase in tourism spending, following four negative quarters that started in the summer of 2008.

Canadians increase tourism spending at home

Canadians' spending on tourism in Canada increased 0.4% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2009, following a 1.4% increase in the third quarter.

Spending on passenger air transport, the largest component of the transportation category, increased 1.1%. Accommodation spending also rose, while fuel consumption was down.

First spending increase by international visitors in two years

Spending by international visitors to Canada edged up 0.2% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2009. This increase followed large declines in the first three quarters of the year.

Note to readers

Growth rates of tourism spending and gross domestic product are expressed in real terms (i.e., adjusted for price change) as well as adjusted for seasonal variations, unless otherwise indicated. Employment data are also seasonally adjusted. Associated percentage changes are presented at quarterly rates.

The National tourism indicators are funded by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Outlays by international visitors on passenger air transport were up 1.2%, reflecting an increase in the number of visitors from overseas countries. Spending on vehicle fuel was 1.4% lower than the previous quarter as car travel from the United States declined.

Spending by international visitors on accommodation and food and beverage services increased during the quarter. Spending on recreation and entertainment was unchanged.

First spending increase in two years by international visitors

Tourism gross domestic product expands

Tourism gross domestic product increased 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2009, the second consecutive quarter of growth. Gains were registered across all tourism industries, notably transportation and "other tourism industries," which includes the travel services and recreation and entertainment industries.

Tourism employment was up for a second consecutive quarter following job losses in the first two quarters of 2009.

Available on CANSIM: tables 387-0001 to 387-0010.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1910.

The fourth quarter 2009 issue of National Tourism Indicators, Quarterly Estimates (13-009-X, free) is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact the information officer (613-951-3640; iead-info-dcrd@statcan.gc.ca), Income and Expenditure Accounts Division.

Table 1

National tourism indicators

Table 1

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2008	First quarter 2009	Second quarter 2009	Third quarter 2009	Fourth quarter 2009	Third quarter to fourth quarter 2009
	Seasonally adjusted
	$ millions at 2002 prices					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	16,679	16,478	16,345	16,448	16,513	0.4
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,531	3,408	3,290	3,203	3,209	0.2
Tourism domestic demand	13,148	13,070	13,055	13,244	13,304	0.4
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	6,143	6,030	5,993	6,062	6,115	0.9
Tourism demand by non-residents	986	950	917	871	872	0.2
Tourism domestic demand	5,158	5,080	5,076	5,191	5,243	1.0
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	2,596	2,552	2,490	2,517	2,526	0.4
Tourism demand by non-residents	838	801	763	753	755	0.2
Tourism domestic demand	1,758	1,751	1,728	1,764	1,771	0.4
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	2,320	2,295	2,281	2,275	2,280	0.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	539	519	499	493	494	0.3
Tourism domestic demand	1,781	1,776	1,782	1,783	1,786	0.2
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,680	2,676	2,666	2,656	2,650	-0.2
Tourism demand by non-residents	456	445	427	414	415	0.1
Tourism domestic demand	2,224	2,231	2,239	2,242	2,236	-0.3
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,940	2,925	2,915	2,938	2,942	0.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	712	692	684	672	673	0.1
Tourism domestic demand	2,227	2,233	2,231	2,265	2,269	0.1

Table 2

National tourism indicators

Table 2

National tourism indicators
	Fourth quarter 2008	First quarter 2009	Second quarter 2009	Third quarter 2009	Fourth quarter 2009	Third quarter to fourth quarter 2009
	Seasonally adjusted
	$ millions at current prices					% change
Total tourism expenditures
Tourism demand in Canada	18,477	17,966	17,698	17,778	18,026	1.4
Tourism demand by non-residents	3,878	3,714	3,559	3,451	3,470	0.5
Tourism domestic demand	14,599	14,252	14,139	14,327	14,556	1.6
Transportation
Tourism demand in Canada	6,870	6,486	6,365	6,423	6,588	2.6
Tourism demand by non-residents	1,061	995	945	885	891	0.7
Tourism domestic demand	5,809	5,491	5,421	5,538	5,696	2.9
Accommodation
Tourism demand in Canada	2,897	2,787	2,663	2,667	2,697	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	936	877	817	799	806	0.8
Tourism domestic demand	1,961	1,911	1,846	1,867	1,891	1.3
Food and beverage services
Tourism demand in Canada	2,747	2,740	2,745	2,757	2,789	1.1
Tourism demand by non-residents	638	619	601	597	600	0.5
Tourism domestic demand	2,109	2,121	2,145	2,160	2,189	1.3
Other tourism commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	2,890	2,877	2,849	2,840	2,862	0.8
Tourism demand by non-residents	508	501	480	467	470	0.6
Tourism domestic demand	2,382	2,376	2,369	2,373	2,392	0.8
Other commodities
Tourism demand in Canada	3,073	3,077	3,076	3,090	3,090	-0.0
Tourism demand by non-residents	735	723	717	702	702	-0.0
Tourism domestic demand	2,337	2,354	2,359	2,388	2,388	-0.0