Department of Tourism and Culture

National and International Reports

Aboriginal Tourism In Canada - Trends, Issues, Constraints and Opportunities(613KB) this report contains information on the profile of the industry and it's economic impacts, tourism trends affecting the sector, issues and constraints facing the sector and businesses, opportunities for developing the industry and capacity and readiness indicators. This 2003 report was prepared for Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada.

Aboriginal Tourism Opportunities (1.82MB) - Aboriginal Tourism Canada partnered with the Canadian Tourism Commission in 2008 to research the European market motivations and expectations of consumers for aboriginal tourism products and experiences in Canada.

All Terrain Vehicles(ATV) - A Development Manual for Community Based ATV Tourism Product (653KB) a step-by-step manual for the development of and ATV tourism product in Ontario communities. Template can be utilized for other trail based tourism products.

A Community Guide to Nature Tourism (3.63MB) - from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife this guide will introduce the reader to the benefits of nature tourism, the process for accessing your community, or project, drafting a plan and making it happen.

Developing Naturally. An Exploratory Process for Nature Based Community Tourism (3.44MB) - Nature based tourism uses the natural resources of an area as the focal point to draw and entertain visitors 

Economic Impacts of Cultural and Sport Tourism in Canada (2007-587 KB) written for the Department of Canadian Heritage and Industry Canada this report shows the importance of cultural and sport events as generators of tourism through an analysisof tourist spending and economic impacts.

Eight Sectors of Tourism (PDF, 79 KB) - The tourism industry has been divided into eight sectors or areas. This report lists the eight sectors and provides examples within the sector and potential employment associated with each sector. Report is provided from the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC)

Greening Your Business, A Toolkit for Tourism Operators (843KB) - with the small and medium sized tourism operator in mind this toolkit is a kind of "best practice" handbook full of user friendly, accessible and practical tips. Reader may take on as many or as few suggestions as their resources permit. It is a collaborative effort by Tourism Industry Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Tourism Commission and Marr Consulting services.

Green Festivals and Events - A How to Guide ( 777KB) - the Icarus Foundation has released a new guide on how to reduce the carbon footprint of festivals and events. A simple step by step assessment on how to reduce the impacts related to water, waste, energy and ultimately carbon. The guide uses best practice examples and an easy to use checklist for planners, event organizers.

Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria are an effort to come to a common understanding of sustainable tourism, and will be the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach. They are organized around four main themes: effective sustainability planning; maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community; enhancing cultural heritage; and reducing negative impacts to the environment. Although the criteria are initially intended for use by the accommodation and tour operation sectors, they have applicability to the entire tourism industry.

Sustainability in the Accommodation sector - A Practical Guide to Good Practice - (813KB) -this report provides an overview of ten key environmental and social issues that are critical to the long term success of the accommodation sector. Best practice examples and rational for good practices. This report was produced for the Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development and written by the Centre for Environmental Leadership in in Business.

Sustainability in the Marine Recreation Sector - A Practical Guide to Good Practice - (870KB) - This report is designed for marine recreation providers who are interested in finding out about environmental good practices. It can also be used by others in the industry to select suppliers based on sustainability.This report was produced for the Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development and written by the Centre for Environmental Leadership in in Business.

Supply Chain Engagements for Tour Operators - Three Steps Towards Sustainability (1.32MB) - this report is meant for tour operators who are looking to integrate sustainability throughout their supply chains. A resource for tour operators that presents the steps for tour operators to create and implement a sustainable supply chain and management policy for suppliers.This report was produced for the Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development and written by the Centre for Environmental Leadership in in Business.

Sustainable Tourism - The Tour Operator's Contribution (2.18MB) - this is a collection of case studies, which offers a broad sample of the different actions that tour operators can take to address sustainability in different contexts. This report was produced for the Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development and written by the Centre for Environmental Leadership in in Business.

2009 Sustainable Tourism Report: "Building and Marketing True Tourism Sustainability in the Eye of the Storm. It's the Economy - Stupid!" - This 5th Sustainble Tourism Report outlines the current state of play in the industry, the dangers and opportunities on the horizon and methods of avoiding the former and taking advantage of the latter. Sponsored by TravelMole, Vision on Sustainable Tourism, Totem and Virgin Holidays. It is available on request from the Yukon Department of Tourism and Culture and may not be distributed to others without permission by the author. Contact tirc@gov.yk.ca or call 867-667-8723 to obtain a copy.

Canadian Tourism Commission Reports ( CTC)

A Snapshot of the Canoeing and Kayaking Travel Market in North(64KB) America introduces the reader to where Canadian and American canoeing and kayaking clients come from, what attracts them to a destination, demographics, what packaging opportunities exist with other activities they may participate in, etc. This 2003 report was commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

A Snapshot of the Hiking and Backpacking Travel Market in North America(67KB) introduces the reader to where Canadian and American hiking and backpacking clients come from, what attracts them to a destination, demographics, what packaging opportunities exist with other activities they may participate in, etc. This 2003 report was commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission. 

Adventure Travel and Eco-tourism Best Practices Tour 2000 (742KB) a nine-day study tour introduced emerging eco-tourism and adventure tourism operators to the best adventure and eco-tourism businesses in their field.

Canada's Heritage Tourism Enthusiasts - Executive Summary (117KB) this report provides the reader with a better understanding of the potential size, characteristics and interests of the Canadian heritage traveller. This 2002-08 Travel Activities and Motivation Survey ( TAMS) was commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission. 

Canada's Museum Tourism Enthusiasts (349KB) this report describes the tourism activities and characteristics of Canada's museum and other cultural institutions tourists and provide an insight into packaging opportunities for this segment of travellers. This 2004 TAMS was commissioned by the Canadian Tourism Commission. 

Canadian Travel Arrangement Services Survey (PDF, 596 KB) - This report is designed to provide an overview of the Canadian travel distribution sector. The focus is on the retailer (travel agencies) and packagers (tour operators and receptive operators). From 2003 Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) Research Report

Finding Funding - Ten steps to meet your financial needs (234KB) this guide is for tourism businesses who are in need of financing and need assistance in approaching a loaning instituation or agency. Information includes, how to analyze your financing needs, where and how to seek financing, types and characteristics of financing, guidelines for preparing investment proposals 

Identifying the Spa Traveller: A Look at US and Canadian Consumer Attitudes and Motivators for Spa Vacations (PDF, 575 KB) - Some of the topics addressed include, characteristics of the spa traveller, how spa travellers plan their vacation, when they travel, where they travel and what they do.

Learning about Computers, E-business, and the Internet: A Guide to Federal Government Sources and Services for SME's(766KB) - tips to make your small and medium sized business more profitable.

Packaging Experiences (544KB) - today's travellers are looking for more than just attraction passes and accommodations. They are looking for opportunties to experience something unique about a destination. Meeting locals, hands-on activities and behind the scenes access are only a few ways to create that experience. 

The National Snowmobile Tourism Study ( 177KB) the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Associations in partnership with the CTC commissioned a national study to look at the current picture of snowmobile tourism in canada and how it can support economic development in the winter months, especially in those areas lacking ski resorts.