Friday, May 30, 2025
Canada is spearheading a new initiative to strengthen tourism in its rural, remote, and northern regions through the launch of two specially designed Tourism Destination Development Toolkits. Developed collaboratively by Destination Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), these toolkits were introduced at the FCM Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Ottawa, providing valuable resources to more than 1,500 municipal officials. Their purpose is to help communities build thriving, sustainable tourism sectors tailored to their unique local identities.
Many smaller communities across Canada face challenges such as limited tourism infrastructure, staffing, and resources, which can hinder their ability to fully capitalize on their natural beauty, rich heritage, and cultural offerings. These new toolkits serve as accessible, comprehensive guides to support municipalities at various stages of tourism development, whether they are starting from scratch or seeking to expand their existing initiatives. The efforts align with Destination Canada’s 2030 vision emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in tourism growth.
Designed With Community Input and Local Realities in Mind
The toolkits were created following extensive consultations with municipal leaders representing remote, rural, and northern areas. This collaborative process ensures that the resources address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by communities beyond urban centers, delivering practical, actionable solutions.
Municipalities will find guidance on understanding the tourism ecosystem and how to utilize Destination Canada’s up-to-date research and analytics to make data-informed decisions. This empowers communities to identify market trends, understand visitor profiles, and implement strategies that maximize economic and social benefits while preserving local culture and environment.
Distributed through Destination Canada’s website and FCM’s broad communications network, these toolkits will reach over 2,100 municipalities across the country, encompassing more than 92 percent of Canada’s population.
Toolkit Components That Facilitate Success
The toolkits include a variety of essential resources:
- Tourism Development Checklist: A step-by-step guide helping municipalities assess assets, engage community members, and craft tailored tourism plans.
- Investment Readiness Assessment: Frameworks to help communities evaluate zoning, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and collaborative opportunities to attract tourism investment.
- Comprehensive Resource Library: Videos, case studies, examples of best practices, and links to provincial and organizational supports to aid ongoing learning and capacity building.
Highlighting Indigenous Tourism and Community Achievements
Among the toolkit features are inspiring examples such as the Rugged Apprentice Program in Yukon, demonstrating how community-led initiatives can create meaningful and immersive tourism experiences.
The toolkits place particular emphasis on Indigenous tourism, which continues to expand with nearly 2,000 Indigenous-owned businesses offering culturally authentic experiences. These enterprises play a pivotal role in cultural preservation and economic growth within their communities.
There is also a focus on creating youth employment opportunities within tourism, aiming to encourage young residents to remain engaged in their local economies through quality jobs.
Launch Event and Expert Dialogue
The official launch took place at the “Ask the Expert” session during the FCM Annual Conference, where municipal leaders and industry experts discussed the significance of tourism as an engine of economic diversification. They explored how these toolkits can help communities engage residents and visitors alike, improve tourism offerings, and foster sustainable growth.
Tourism’s Economic Role in Canada
Tourism is a key economic driver in Canada. In 2024, the sector contributed roughly $130 billion in revenue, equating to more than $350 million each day. The industry comprises about 265,000 businesses spread across 5,000 communities nationwide.
Rural and remote communities contribute strongly, with nearly 18,000 tourism businesses operating outside major cities. Indigenous tourism remains particularly vibrant, with close to 2,000 enterprises offering authentic cultural experiences sought by travelers.
Overall, the sector supports more than 700,000 jobs—outnumbering employment in agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and oil and gas combined. It also benefits related sectors like hospitality, transportation, retail, arts, culture, and entertainment while enriching the social and cultural fabric of communities.
Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
These toolkits embody Canada’s commitment to fostering tourism that is sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven. They promote regenerative practices to protect natural environments and uphold cultural values, ensuring that tourism growth benefits both current residents and future generations.
By encouraging partnerships among municipalities, Indigenous groups, residents, and businesses, the toolkits provide a roadmap for building resilient, authentic destinations that thrive economically and socially.
Looking Ahead: Building Vibrant Tourism Communities
As the tourism landscape evolves, these toolkits offer rural, remote, and northern communities a strategic framework for growth. Through data-driven planning, inclusive collaboration, and sustainability-focused approaches, these regions can cultivate visitor economies that honor their unique identities and enhance quality of life.
Canada’s diverse landscapes, rich Indigenous heritage, and distinctive local cultures offer boundless opportunities to develop memorable tourism experiences. This partnership between Destination Canada and FCM ensures that communities across the country are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to foster tourism development that aligns with their values and long-term goals.
