HAC Encourged by Federal Budget

HAC-Tony-April28

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is encouraged with the Federal Government’s recognition of tourism in this week’s budget.

Finance Minister Joe Oliver commented, “Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to provide additional support to the Canadian Tourism Commission to embark on a new marketing campaign in the United States, in partnership with the tourism industry. Details will be announced in the coming months. Canada’s tourism sector is an important contributor to our economy, comprising 178,000 businesses across Canada in industries such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, and travel services.

“Building on the Canadian Tourism Commission’s strong track record of marketing Canada to visitors from all over the world, Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to provide additional support for the Commission to lead a new initiative, in partnership with the tourism industry, to promote Canada to travellers from the United States. This targeted campaign is expected to attract a larger number of American visitors to destinations across Canada, helping to promote economic activity and job creation in the tourism sector.”

HAC welcomed this recognition, but is disappointed that the minister did not attach the dollar value to the commitment.

In other budget news, the government said it will be supporting activities and events to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, with $210 million over four years, starting in 2015-16.

The Minister of Finance also announced Electronic Travel Authorization to be extended to Brazil and Mexico with the expenditure of $15.7 million over five years to expand eTA to those countries.

And, the government announced it will provide $2.8 billion to support infrastructure improvements to heritage, tourism, waterway and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas across Canada.

In addition, $191 million was committed to undertake renewal and repairs of heritage and museum sites.