Information and resources for businesses in the tourism sector
On this page, businesses in the tourism sector can find the latest relevant news, financial resources and other useful information to assist them in welcoming Canadian and international visitors.
Visit Statistics Canada to find important data about travel and tourism in Canada and read the SME Profile: Tourism Industries in Canada, 2020 report to gain insight on small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.
The new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada launched a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which sets a course for growth, investment and stability.
Learn about the new strategy
Latest news for tourism businesses
| Date | News item |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2023 | Annual Closure of Canadian Coast Guard Seasonal Search and Rescue Stations in Quebec |
| November 28, 2023 | Microbrasserie Les grands bois receives $730,000 in support |
| November 24, 2023 | Québec and Ottawa confirm their intent to create a new joint marine park in the Anticosti-Mingan area |
Supports and resources for businesses in the tourism sector
Learn more about supports and resources available to help businesses in the tourism sector improve their products and services to welcome Canadian and international visitors.
- Tourism Growth Program
- Indigenous Tourism Fund – Micro and Small Business Stream
- Tourism Relief Fund
- Canada Digital Adoption Program
- Budget 2023: Supporting the Growth of Canada's Tourism Sector
- Subscribe to the GC Business Insights newsletter for information on government programs to help businesses.
Don't know where to start? Canada's regional development agencies (RDA) work closely with businesses in their regions to fuel economic growth. Visit your RDA's web page to find out more about targeted advice and support available. Or fill in an online form to find the right programs and services through the Business Benefits Finder. Indigenous organizations and businesses can now also use the new Indigenous Business Navigator as a single point of contact that connects them to services and programs from different Government of Canada departments.
Spotlight on Canadian tourism
Canadian tourism businesses showcasing all that our country has to offer
Photo location: Ste-Geneviève, Manitoba. Photo credit: Destination Canada.
Indigenous tourism
First Nations, Métis and Inuit tourism businesses have a unique opportunity to engage with visitors and teach them about their thought-provoking histories and distinct cultures. Canadian and international travellers alike are eager to partake in Indigenous experiences. Discover how the Government of Canada is investing in the long-term, sustainable growth of Indigenous tourism, and explore the support available to Indigenous tourism businesses through the Micro and Small Business Stream of the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF).
Photo location: Yukon
Rural and remote tourism
Canadians living in rural and remote areas can unlock the economic potential of tourism to drive growth and job creation in their communities. Now, more than ever, Canada has what the world wants: wide-open spaces, rugged coastlines and unspoiled wilderness. And Canadian tourism businesses are looking to make the most of it. Learn more about the Government of Canada's efforts to support Canadians living and working in rural communities.
Photo location: Canada
2SLGBTQI+ tourism
Canada is consistently named a top destination for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers, thanks to shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion and personal security. Canadian tourism businesses, get inspired and see how Canadian destinations are welcoming this important community.
Photo location: Sudbury, Ontario. Photo credit: Tourism Sudbury.
Francophone tourism
Say bonjour and bienvenue to francophones, francophiles and anyone curious to discover Canada's francophonie from here and abroad! Find out if your tourism business is doing everything possible to attract this target market.
Destination Canada: Guide for small businesses
Rebuilding Traveller Confidence:
The importance of keeping safety top of mind and in plain sight
This guide for small businesses offers ideas to help restore and cultivate confidence in Canadian travellers by showing that safety is in everyone's best interest. It also includes best-in-class examples of Canadian tourism businesses from coast to coast to coast that have exhibited strong resilience and innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo location: Prince Edward Island. Photo credit: Destination Canada.
Tourism employment
Considering a career in tourism? The Canadian tourism sector is uniquely inclusive, providing opportunities for economic growth and employment in regions across Canada, including to under-represented groups, such as racialized and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, youth, women, people with disabilities, new Canadians and Indigenous communities. There is a lot of room for growth and opportunities to shape the future of tourism in Canada.
Visit the Tourism HR Canada website to learn more.
Photo location: Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo credit: Destination Canada.
Minister
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec