OTTAWA,
ON, Sept. 27, 2024 /CNW/ - The
Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and
Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of
Canada for the Regions of
Quebec, shared the following
message with Canadians:
"Canada is a tourism
superpower. Whether it's our majestic mountains or our dynamic
downtowns, we have what the world wants. Nearly every single
Canadian community is implicated in tourism in some way, and it's
no surprise that the sector supports nearly two million jobs
and contributes over $43 billion to Canada's GDP.
"Tourism is also about pride—the pride of sharing our home with
the world. It brings people together to find common ground. In a
world of division, tourism is about connection.
"As a government, we're here for Canadian tourism. Guided by our
Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, we're seizing opportunities,
investing in Indigenous tourism and overcoming challenges.
"Together, let's help Canadian tourism reach its full potential.
We're aiming to increase its contribution to Canada's GDP by 40% by 2030. This means 85,000
more jobs. That's why we're supporting the sector through the
$108 million Tourism Growth Program.
Yet it's about more than statistics; it's about Canada taking its place as a world leader in
tourism.
"We're investing in Indigenous tourism, which has the power to
advance reconciliation. Through the Indigenous Tourism Fund and
beyond, we're working with communities and leaders and supporting
nearly 200 projects across the country, with more on the way.
"Together, let's tackle tourism's challenges. We need to help
the industry attract and retain more staff. We must improve
transportation and housing. And we must continue fighting climate
change. From warm winters to wildfires, it is an existential threat
to Canadian tourism—the recent fires in Jasper being just one
example.
"As we mark World Tourism Day, let's celebrate the power of
travel to broaden perspectives and bring people together.
Canada welcomes the world, ready
to share our scenery and our stories. Through tourism, we're
building a future where differences are celebrated and unexpected
connections flourish—one traveller at a time. Happy World Tourism
Day!"
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada