Does society recognize the benefits of tourism across its various activities? In Canada, an index will reveal this value

The index is from Destination Canada and will show the comprehensive impacts of tourism in the country, including local economies and culture.

21/02/2025 - Tourism is one of the most complex sectors of the economy due to the variety of services involved. Segments such as temporary accommodations contribute to hosting tourists, who also spend on travel, food, entertainment, cultural programming, and more. However, the contribution of tourism to the economy still seems unclear, making it difficult to formulate public policies and actions for its full development. Now, an index from Destination Canada aims to clarify these points.

Destination Canada recently announced the launch of an innovative tool: the "Wealth & Wellbeing Index." This index goes beyond traditional metrics, such as visitor spending and arrivals, to assess the comprehensive benefits that tourism brings to Canadians. The "Wealth & Wellbeing Index" highlights tourism’s role in empowering communities, preserving culture, protecting Canada’s natural assets, and driving economic growth, demonstrating tourism's potential to boost local economies while enhancing the country's global competitiveness. The index is made up of six interconnected components that measure tourism's economic, social, and environmental impacts: Economy, Employment, Enablement, Environment, Engagement, and Experience. These data are drawn from over 100 sources and 30 indicators, providing a comprehensive view of tourism’s impact from the national level to provinces and territories.

Key highlights of the index include the tourism GDP growth of 9.5% in 2023, and the positive impact of tourism on local infrastructure, facilitating the development of regional connections and improving the quality of life for residents. The sector is also promoting business diversity, with 20% of tourism businesses being owned by women and 36% by immigrants. These data emphasize the importance of tourism in creating inclusive jobs and building more resilient communities.

Furthermore, the index reinforces how tourism aids in cultural preservation and social integration, highlighting its contribution to social cohesion and the strengthening of communities.

For more details on how tourism is shaping the future of Canadian communities and driving sustainable growth, read the full news release at Destination Canada - Wealth & Wellbeing Index.