Destination Canada Launches Tourism Corridor Strategy to Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Travel
In a bold move to redefine travel and drive sustainable growth, Destination Canada has launched its 2024-2025 Tourism Corridor Strategy. This ambitious initiative aims to foster the development of tourism corridors across Canada’s diverse landscapes, with a strong focus on community-centered development and sustainability.
Community-Focused Tourism Development
Recognizing the vital role of local communities in shaping the tourism experience, Destination Canada’s strategy prioritizes community-focused development. The program seeks to empower communities to create authentic and immersive experiences that showcase their unique cultural and natural heritage while ensuring that tourism benefits flow directly to local businesses and residents.
Highlighting Canada’s Diverse Tourism Offerings
The Tourism Corridor Strategy encompasses a range of projects designed to showcase the breadth and diversity of Canada’s tourism offerings. One key initiative is the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor, which spotlights 13 significant sites designated by UNESCO for their cultural and natural importance. These sites include World Heritage Sites, Geoparks, and Biosphere Regions, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to explore Canada’s rich history and natural wonders.
Sustainable Tourism Corridors
The strategy also introduces the Sustainable Journeys from Prairies to Pacific Corridor, which highlights the tourism potential of Highway 3, also known as the Crowsnest Highway. This scenic route offers a breathtaking alternative to the TransCanada Highway, connecting vibrant Indigenous cultures, resort towns, and rural communities nestled amidst stunning landscapes. The corridor will focus on synergizing existing development strategies with new investments to enhance its appeal as a destination, promoting agritourism, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage experiences.
Authentic Indigenous Tourism
Recognizing the growing demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, the Northern Indigenous Lodge Network Corridor targets areas in the Yukon, western Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia, where there is a shortage of accommodations. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan to establish Indigenous lodges, providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with Indigenous communities and learn about their rich cultures.
Growth in Tourism Expenditure
The Tourism Corridor Strategy is supported by the strong performance of the tourism sector in recent quarters. In Q4 2023, tourism expenditure increased by 2.3%, reversing a modest decline in Q3. On an annual basis, tourism spending surged by 13.5% in 2023, following a remarkable 50.4% rise in 2022. The tourism sector’s GDP also saw a 2.5% uptick in Q4 2023, contributing to a 9.5% increase for the year.
Destination Canada’s 2024-2025 Tourism Corridor Strategy is a transformative initiative that will redefine travel in Canada. By promoting sustainable, community-focused, and inclusive tourism, this strategy will unlock the potential of Canada’s tourism industry, creating economic growth, fostering cultural understanding, and safeguarding the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
