Canada says its wants and deserves more tourists
The two top reasons American travelers choose other destinations over Canada are weather and the perception other places are more exotic, reports a new study by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).
The commission is asking for more marketing money to combat that impression.
“We can’t do anything about the weather, but we can certainly change people’s perceptions about it, and what kind of experiences Canada offers visitors,” said Randy Williams, Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s president and CEO.
The promotion of tourism in Canada internationally is coordinated by the CTC. The current budget is almost $76 million a year.
Mr Williams says that amount is inadequate because of tough competition from other markets that have much bigger budgets.
The study showed that in the next year, Canada will be competing directly with the US and Europe as a preferred destination for American leisure travelers. The Caribbean and Mexico are also strong contenders.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is asking the government for an additional $100 million to help increase the number of American visitors.
“Canada has what US travelers say they want, but we’ve got to get the message out loud and clear,” said Mr Williams.
Those attributes include a peaceful and relaxing place to visit combined with a unique sense of place, a feeling of safety and one of exploration.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026