Newfoundland and Labrador Business Leaders Encourage Canadians to Explore Canada this Summer
Saturday, 17 July 2021 12:00.PM
- Industry leaders from Newfoundland and Labrador commend the provincial government for lifting restrictions; now calling on federal government to restore confidence in Canadian domestic travel. -
Together with the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable (The Roundtable), industry leaders from Newfoundland and Labrador are joining together to encourage Canadians and fully vaccinated international travellers to explore Canada this summer. With the second consecutive summer travel season now well underway, local businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador are reiterating the importance of domestic travel to sustain the community.
In a normal year, Atlantic Canada sees over 7 million visitors to the four Atlantic provinces, bringing in over $5.2 billion in revenue. In Newfoundland and Labrador alone, the tourism industry generates approximately $1.14 billion in spending annually with almost 2,800 businesses and over 20,000 jobs in the tourism sector, representing nine per cent of all jobs in the province.
Every sector of the Atlantic region economy has been impacted by the restrictions, but none harder than the tourism and hospitality sectors. Every year, domestic travel accounts for over 85% of visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador and the summer months are crucial for local business survival. With provincial restrictions now lifted, it is time for Canadians to return to visiting and exploring our local communities.
Local businesses are suffering unnecessarily because of confusion and uncertainty over the safety of domestic travel. Vaccination rates are rising across Atlantic Canada, with all four provinces exceeding 70% of eligible residents receiving their first dose. Because of this progress, it is important that Canadians receive a clear message from the federal government encouraging domestic tourism.
Canadians have been rushing in droves to get vaccinated – breaking records nearly every day. We want to encourage Canadian travellers to fully and safely explore Canada this summer.
SOURCE: Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable