National tourism indicators, first quarter 2016
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Released: 2016-06-29
$20.6 billion
First quarter 2016
1.1% 
(quarterly change)
Tourism spending in Canada rose 1.1% in the first quarter, after growing 0.3% in the fourth quarter. This was the 12th consecutive quarterly gain in tourism spending and the largest increase since the second quarter of 2014.
Most of the increase in tourism spending—about four out of every five dollars—was attributable to international visitors in Canada.
Chart 1
Tourism spending in Canada increases for 12th consecutive quarter
Spending by international visitors increases
Spending by international visitors in Canada grew 4.3% in the first quarter, following a 0.4% gain in the fourth quarter. This was the largest increase since the first quarter of 2010.
Higher spending on passenger air transport (+5.4%), accommodation (+4.8%) and food and beverage services (+3.5%) all contributed to the increased outlays. Tourism spending on non-tourism goods and services (+4.9%), such as groceries and clothing, was also higher.
An increase in overnight travel from abroad and same-day car travel from the United States, possibly fuelled by a declining Canadian dollar, contributed to the growth in tourism spending.
Chart 2
Tourism spending by international visitors up
Tourism spending by Canadians up
Tourism spending by Canadians at home rose 0.3% in the first quarter, following a 0.2% gain in the fourth quarter.
Higher spending on vehicle fuel (+2.0%) and passenger air transport (+1.0%), and an increase in pre-trip expenditures (+3.1%) were offset by lower outlays on food and beverage services (-1.2%) and non-tourism goods and services (-1.2%).
Chart 3
Increased tourism spending by Canadians at home
Tourism gross domestic product increases
Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.3% in the first quarter, after edging up 0.1% in the previous quarter. By comparison, national GDP rose 0.5% in the first quarter and 0.2% in the fourth quarter.
Increased tourism GDP in transport (+1.9%), accommodation (+2.0%) and non-tourism industries (+1.2%) contributed to the overall gain.
Tourism employment rose 0.2%, as job gains in food and beverage services (+0.4%), recreation and entertainment (+0.4%) and travel services (+1.0%) were moderated by losses in air transportation (-1.1%) and accommodation (-0.1%).
Note to readers
Growth rates for tourism spending and gross domestic product are expressed in real terms (that is, adjusted for price changes) at 2007 constant prices and adjusted for seasonal variations, unless otherwise indicated. Employment data are also seasonally adjusted. For information on seasonal adjustment, see Seasonally adjusted data – Frequently asked questions.
Associated percentage changes are presented at quarterly rates unless otherwise noted.
Data revisions from the first quarter of 1986 to the fourth quarter of 2015 will be available in a future release.
The national tourism indicators are funded by Destination Canada.
Next release
Data on the national tourism indicators for the second quarter will be released on September 29 and will include revised data for the first quarter.
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Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca).
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