Wildfires and Labour Disruptions Hit Canadian Tourism Hard

Strategic Insights -

Tyler Riopel, the chief executive officer of Tourism Jasper, said that while fewer tourists are visiting Jasper, Alberta, this year, the numbers are still strong despite a devastating wildfire last summer that destroyed about one-fifth of the town's overnight accommodations. The remaining available spots are almost entirely full, and Riopel attributes the 16-20 per cent reduction in visitor numbers directly to the loss of fixed-roof accommodations and campgrounds. However, visitors seem to be spending less in the town's shops and at attractions, and Riopel is unsure whether this is a widespread trend.

Key Takeaways:

  • The wildfires that ravaged Jasper, Alberta last summer destroyed about one-fifth of the town's overnight accommodations, impacting tourist numbers.
  • Despite the loss of accommodations, the remaining available spots in Jasper are almost entirely full, with visitor numbers only 16-20 per cent lower than usual.
  • Visitors to Jasper are spending less in the town's shops and at attractions, but it's unclear whether this is a widespread trend.
  • Labour disruptions at Air Canada have also contributed to a decline in tourism, causing would-be travellers to postpone their trips.
  • The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada reports that some Indigenous-operated tourist businesses have experienced a 30 per cent decline in visitors.
  • Tourism operators in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been particularly hard hit, with some outfitting businesses reporting millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Statistics:

  • 16-20 per cent reduction in visitor numbers to Jasper, Alberta compared to usual.
  • 30 per cent decline in visitors to Indigenous-operated tourist businesses in northern Manitoba.
  • Loss of about one-fifth of Jasper's overnight accommodations due to wildfires.
  • Millions of dollars in lost revenue for outfitting businesses affected by wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Sources:

  • Tyler Riopel, chief executive officer of Tourism Jasper
  • Alexa Lawlor, spokesperson for Tourism Saskatchewan
  • Keith Henry, CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
  • Roy Anderson, acting CEO of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters