What is Tourism?

 

Tourism is the act of travelling outside of your usual environment to other cities, provinces, territories and/or countries for no longer than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.  This type of travel is called outbound tourism. 

Outbound tourism is what most people are familiar with.  Going on a business trip to New York, spending a vacation in a hot, tropical climate or travelling overseas are considered outbound tourism.

 

Inbound tourism involves marketing campaigns that take place globally, nationally, and locally.  It is undertaken by companies and individuals who want to attract tourists to their city, province or country.  For example, in Saskatchewan inbound tourism attracts foreigners to our province from as far away as Australia or as close as Alberta.  But it is also directed at individuals who live in Saskatchewan and may be interested in visiting a nearby town or travelling from one end of the province to the other.

 

In Canada, tourism is an important sector that generates many economic, social, and cultural benefits.  It provides jobs in more than 400 careers in tourism; brings in revenue for businesses across the country; stimulates the development and preservation of new facilities, services, and attractions; offers educational experiences to visitors; encourages the conservation of historical landmarks, heritage sites, and natural environments; and instills a sense of pride in our communities, regions, and country.

 

To learn about the five industry groups in the tourism sector, click here.

 

Visit the Discover Tourism website to find out more about the Canadian tourism sector.