{"id":4367,"date":"2025-05-14T14:38:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T18:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourismcan.ca\/?p=4367"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:47:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T18:47:33","slug":"an-open-letter-to-prime-minister-mark-carney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourismcan.ca\/fr\/an-open-letter-to-prime-minister-mark-carney\/","title":{"rendered":"Lettre ouverte au Premier ministre Mark Carney"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Dear Prime Minister Carney:<\/p>

As you lead Canada into this next chapter, it is essential to recognize the critical role that Canada’s tourism sector plays in shaping both our economy and our national identity.\u00a0 Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy, cultural exchange and international goodwill. \u00a0Tourism is at the heart of political ridings from coast to coast to coast \u2013 from our bustling urban centres to our country\u2019s beautiful rural landscapes and seascapes.<\/p>

Canada\u2019s travel and tourism sector represents over 243,000 businesses and over 2 million households who rely on tourism, conferences, events, and travel for their livelihoods. This sector is crucial in every single electoral district in Canada. In 2024, tourism generated $130 billon in economic activity<\/strong>. With over $32 billion of annual spending coming from international visitors, tourism is also our country\u2019s third largest export industry representing over 14 percent of Canada’s total service export revenue.<\/p>

Though the tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience after being the hardest hit during the global pandemic, it is now facing a real and similar crisis. More than ever, the sector requires the support of our government and political leaders.<\/p>

While the on-going trade tensions between the United States and Canada threatens to increase business operating costs economy-wide, unlike many other sectors, the success of Canadian tourism is also deeply tied to the influx of travelers from the U.S. Whether they\u2019re visiting for family vacations, exploring our stunning national parks, discovering cultural and historical landmarks, embarking on whale-watching adventures, or attending international conferences and events, American visitors represent a crucial demographic for the industry. They represent the largest inbound market for many destinations, attractions, as well as transportation and accommodation businesses across the country.<\/p>

Statistics Canada reports significant declines in cross-border visitors in February, March, and April 2025 when compared to the same month in previous years, underscoring the immediate impact of global trade uncertainty on Canada\u2019s tourism sector.[1]<\/a> A recent poll conducted by TIAC finds that half (47%) of tourism businesses and organizations have supply chains that are reliant on products from the U.S. and 70% of tourism organizations rely heavily on U.S. travellers. The rapid drop in American visitors in a number of markets is already threatening the viability of operators across the country and putting at risk\u00a0the livelihoods of the more than 2 million Canadians employed in the sector \u2013 a prolonged reduction of U.S. visitors could have detrimental effects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Understanding the crucial roles that travel and tourism play in shaping Canada\u2019s economic future, we are calling on you to take immediate action in supporting policies and investments that will stabilize and fuel the growth of this essential sector.<\/strong><\/p>