Today in Niagara, Minister of Tourism (and Associate Minister of Finance) Randy Boissonnault unveiled the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, entitled Canada 365: Welcoming the world. Every day.
The new strategy intends to unleash the full potential of Canadian tourism and cement Canada as a top global destination through the following five priorities:
- Investing in Canada's tourism assets
- Embracing recreation and the great outdoors
- Partnering to grow Indigenous tourism
- Attracting more international events
- Improving coordination through a federal ministerial council
The strategy established targets through to 2030 that fulfill the plans main objectives to increase tourism’s economic output and improve Canada’s competitive standing internationally:
- Increase the tourism sector's contribution to Canada's GDP by 40 per cent in 2030 to $61 billion
- Impact of increase in tourism sector’s contribution to Canada’s GDP means an estimated additional 85,000 direct jobs
- Restore Canada’s ranking in WEF Global Travel and Tourism Development Index from 13 in 2021 to 7 by 2030
Canada has what the world wants
The new strategy notes Canada's diverse and unique attractions welcome people from around the world, every day, highlighting, among others, the following:
- 19 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, such as the Niagara Escarpment, and numerous Provincial Parks
- 550 wineries in 4 provinces, including the Niagara Benchlands, and 1,000+ craft breweries, such as those found along the Niagara Ale Trail
You belong: GM Canada manager inspiring and empowering girls and women to pursue STEM careers
You belong: GM Canada manager inspiring and empowering girls and women to pursue STEM careers. Congratulations Stephanie Thompson for recent recognition from the Manufacturing Institute as a 2024 Women MAKE Award honoree.
WIN emerging business award recipient inspiring inclusion in St. Catharines
Congratulations to Stacey Stemplowski, founder and clinical director of Grounding Balance Wellness & Psychotherapy and WIN emerging business award recipient, on the recent grand opening of the new location for her business at 276 Linwell Rd.
2024 City applications for food truck and vendor open
Starting March 1, the City of St. Catharines is accepting applications for food truck and mobile vending cart operators to set up shop at City parks and facilities.
St. Catharines wins 2023 EDCO Award of Excellence
The City of St. Catharines is being recognized as a leaders in economic development with a provincial award for its work promoting the city as a year-round destination for marquee events and festivals that attracts visitors from across the continent.