June 7-13 is Tourism Week in Canada, recognizing the importance of tourism to all Canadians. Tourism has a profound economic impact – in Canada tourism is a $7.1 billion industry and in Manitoba tourism is a $1.1 billion industry. Manitoba’s tourism industry accounts for 2.75% (2008) of the province’s GDP, $480 million in export revenue and 13,100 direct jobs. Much of Manitoba’s tourism industry is comprised of small or medium businesses which play a vital role in the communities in which they are located. In 2008 the total number of tourism and hospitality related businesses in Manitoba grew by almost 6% to 5,364, meaning more jobs and investment in local communities.
What tourists love about Manitoba are the same things that Manitobans love about Manitoba: the friendly people, the array of cultural institutions and events that represent our heritage, the diverse landscapes allowing for endless outdoor adventures, and the list goes on. By sharing our love of Manitoba with visitors to our province, through hospitality excellence, world-class arts and cultural events and pristine natural escapes, we make our province an even more desirable place to visit. So while we celebrate Tourism Week, let’s also celebrate Unforgettable Manitoba. There is much to see, do and discover in Manitoba, and what you find may not be what you expect. Visit http://www.unexpectedmanitoba.com/ to share your story of unexpected Manitoba.
