Tourism spending in Canada edged up 0.3% to $18.9 billion in 2013’s second quarter after a slight dip (0.2%) in the first quarter, according to Statistics Canada data released September 27.
Spending for both Canadians travelling within the country and by international visitors increased by 0.3% compared with the prior quarter.
Tourism goods and services spending by domestic travellers was up, with a 1.4% increase in food and beverage services spending and 1.0% in vehicle fuel. Pre-trip expenditures also increased by 1.6%.
International visitors spent 1.5% more on air transportation in Canada than they did in the first quarter.
Total tourism gross domestic product grew by 0.5% in the second quarter. Employment in the sector increased by the same amount, driven in large part by job gains in the food and beverage services industry (up $1.8%).
