National tourism indicators

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Fourth quarter 2011 (Previous release)

Tourism spending in Canada rose 0.9% in the fourth quarter, as spending by both international visitors in Canada and Canadians touring at home increased.

This was the 10th consecutive quarterly increase in tourism spending in Canada. Since the second quarter of 2009, tourism spending in Canada has increased 9.5%.

Tourism spending increases for 10th consecutive quarter

Chart description: Tourism spending increases for 10th consecutive quarter

Increase in tourism spending by Canadians at home

Tourism spending by Canadians at home rose 1.0% in the fourth quarter, following a 0.9% gain in the previous quarter.

Spending on most commodities was higher, most notably passenger air transport (+1.9%) and recreation and entertainment (+3.3%). Spending on accommodation, food and beverage services and non-tourism commodities such as groceries, clothing and alcohol bought in stores also rose. Spending on travel services was down 1.1%.

Increase in tourism spending by Canadians at home

Chart description: Increase in tourism spending by Canadians at home

Note to readers

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

With the fourth quarter 2011 release of the National Tourism Indicators (NTI), all data from the first, second and third quarters of 2011 have been revised.

NTI are funded by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

Spending by international visitors in Canada up

Spending by foreign visitors in Canada increased 0.8% in the fourth quarter, with gains in overnight travel from both the United States and overseas countries.

Spending on most tourism commodities increased, including transportation services, accommodation, food and beverage services and other tourism commodities. Tourism spending on non-tourism commodities also increased.

Spending by international visitors in Canada up

Chart description: Spending by international visitors in Canada up

Tourism gross domestic product expands

Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.5% in the fourth quarter, the 10th consecutive quarterly increase. Tourism GDP rose for all industries, including transportation, accommodation and non-tourism industries.

Tourism employment rose 0.6% in the fourth quarter, with most tourism industries posting job gains. Tourism jobs in non-tourism industries also increased. Tourism jobs in travel services declined 1.5% in the fourth quarter.

Available without charge in CANSIM: tables 387-0001 to 387-0010.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 1910.

The fourth quarter 2011 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 – Seasonally adjusted

Table 2 National tourism indicators – Seasonally adjusted