According to a report released by Deloitte Canada, our country’s tourism industry has been falling consistently throughout the past 13 years. As the global tourism industry continues to flourish as a result of the standard of living increasing steadily, Canada’s number of tourists has decreased by 20% since 2000, and the country is now the 18th most popular tourist destination, falling from 2nd place in 1970. Canada’s economy has taken a massive hit from this industry shrinkage, missing out on at least a potential $4 billion if the industry kept up with the growth of the US tourism industry.
It is speculated that this stunt in growth of the tourism industry was a result of the expensive Canadian dollar and increased competitiveness from rapidly developing countries. However, I have noticed recently that there has been a growing number of complaints regarding the rudeness of the customs officers. Also, Canada boasts one of the most expensive travel visas in the world – approximately $100. With the relative expensiveness of our currency, hotel rates are reaching prices of luxury accommodations in more exotic destinations in Europe and Asia. All these elements may be significant factors of why Canada may seem like just an overall less attractive tourist destination.
References:
http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/money_matters/Canada%20-%20Alberta%20-%20Moraine%20Lake.jpg