VANCOUVER — The latest data from Destination Canada (DC) marks 2016 as a significant year for Canadian tourism. With 19.98 million international overnight arrivals, 2016 saw the second highest number of arrivals in Canadian history, falling only 0.4 per cent short of the record high set in 2002 (20.06 million).
In a press statement announcing these results, David F. Goldstein, president and CEO, Destination Canada said, “I want to acknowledge that we have achieved these results by working together across the tourism industry: from the Government of Canada to our partners in the provinces, territories, cities, and the tourism industry. A united approach to showing the world the best of Canada works, and I’m looking forward to working with you this year to build on these great results.”
Overall, international overnight arrivals for the year were up 11.1 per cent over 2015 results, with arrivals from the U.S. up 9.7 per cent for the year — marking its highest observed level since 2005. Canada also experienced record-breaking arrivals from D.C.’s 10 overseas markets (up 16 per cent), topping the record high established in 2015.
During 2016, national hotel indicators showed modest growth. Average Daily Rate (ADR) grew 3.3 per cent while RevPAR increased by 3.8 per cent. Occupancy rates were also up slightly, increasing by 0.3 percentage point.
The full report is available at destinationcanada.com.
