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
Regional Chair and Niagara Mayors statement on the imposition of American tariffs
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe has joined Niagara Region Chair Jim Bradley and the Niagara Mayors in releasing a statement on the imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods.
St. Catharines unveils new economic development and tourism strategy
The City of St. Catharines unveiled it’s updated economic development and tourism strategy, a guiding document providing policies, programs and initiatives ensuring the City continues its vision to be a safe, innovative, sustainable and caring community today and for future generations. At its September 24, 2024 meeting, St. Catharines City Council approved the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy: 2024 to 2029.
New seminars and events from the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre (SCEC)
Our upcoming featured virtual session boasts everything you need to know about HR and hiring employees.
Resources for food businesses
Restaurants or food trucks, home-based businesses or commercial locations, food manufacturing or agri-businesses, there are resources to help you start or grow your food focused business. Check these out!