Indigenous owned and operated tourism businesses continue to grow across Canada, but are still struggling with post-pandemic financial challenges.
That’s the take-away from a new report by the Conference Board of Canada. It found that there are now 2,750 businesses, up from 1,900 just two years ago, and revenues have more than doubled. British Columbia is the single largest hub in Canada, home to nearly 22% of all Indigenous tourism businesses.
However, those gains have been eaten up by inflation and increased costs, leaving Indigenous tourism businesses making less overall than before 2019. Employment numbers also haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The sector generated $3.7 billion in gross domestic product last year. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada wants to see that number rise to $6 billion by 2030, and is committed to sustained investment and strategic support to make it happen.
The sector also contributed $1.3 billion to federal, provincial, and municipal government revenues in 2023, through taxes.
