Canada attracts record number of tourists

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Canada attracted a record breaking 2017, luring the highest number of visitors.

The number, 20.8 million marks about one million more than the previous record that was set in 2002 according to Statistics Canada.

Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons also mentioned that the current results represent yet another reminder of what has been clear for quite some time now. He then asserted that they would love to share their vibrant cities, diverse cultures and beautiful history with a large number of visitors.

He also said that the government is investing in the tourism sector of Canada and they have comprehensive plans to raise the tourism potential even further.

As people have been celebrating Canada-China Year of Tourism this year, people are certain that the record they had set in 2017 is merely the commencement of the amazing news for this important sector, said Mr. Chagger.

Since the tourism figures was last beaten the composition of tourists to Canada has altered with overnight arrivals to the nation from places other than the US reaching an all time high of 31% of all passengers.

In 2002, Statistics Canada said that this figure is only at 19%.

The overseas tourists tended to stay in Canada for a longer duration. Ben Cowan-Dewar, Chairperson of Destination Canada’s Board of Directors said that it is a fantastic news for Canada.

Changes in visa applications in priority markets might have swayed more tourists than usual to visit the nation.

This includes initiatives like opening seven new visa application centres in Canada and the introduction of electronic travel authorization.

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