Tourism: The Economic Driver Hiding in Plain Sight

Oh, Canada: Business, Tourism, and Economic Truths
- Tourism: The Economic Driver Hiding in Plain Sight

If I had a nickel for every time tourism was overlooked as a serious industry, I’d probably be able to fund a few startups. Tourism is often treated like a side hustle for the economy—a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. But the truth is, tourism is a major economic driver, and we need to stop pretending it’s not.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Tourism contributes billions to Canada’s GDP every year. Small towns, big cities, remote communities—each thrives on the dollars spent by travellers seeking out the unique experiences they offer. From the local café serving up the best pie you’ve ever had to that tiny art gallery hidden behind a barn (yes, those exist), tourism fuels local economies in ways we can’t ignore.

Here’s the magic of tourism: when someone visits a community, they don’t just buy a ticket to a museum or pay for a hotel room. They spark a ripple effect. That one traveller is helping keep the lights on at the hotel, giving jobs to local staff, and encouraging investment in infrastructure like better roads or public Wi-Fi.

It’s like the butterfly effect, but instead of chaos theory, it’s about jobs, growth, and opportunity. Side thought: Maybe one day...wistfully looking off into the distance...we'll finally make the connection to why high speed trains are needed in this country, and how helping travellers efficiently traverse this expansive land, on the ground, will fuel the massive economic potential of tourism.

So, why doesn’t tourism get the respect it deserves? Partly because it doesn’t fit neatly into the industrial mould we tend to celebrate. It’s seen as fun and fleeting, not as sturdy or stable as manufacturing or tech. But that’s a mindset we need to change.

Tourism doesn’t just generate jobs—it generates accessible jobs. It’s one of the few industries where young people, newcomers, and those re-entering the workforce can find opportunities easily. It’s a training ground for skills that translate across industries: customer service, management, logistics, and more.

The benefits don’t stop at economics. Tourism is a community builder. It brings people together, showcases culture, and reminds us why we love where we live. And yes, it pays the bills too.

Canada’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and quirky small towns aren’t just Instagram-worthy—they’re assets that fuel an industry worth billions. But we need to do better at recognising tourism for what it is: an essential pillar of our economy.

I’ve worked in the tourism industry long enough to know that its potential is massive—and largely untapped. If we stop dismissing it as a frivolity and start investing in it like the powerhouse it is, we can unlock incredible opportunities for communities across Canada.

So, here’s to giving tourism the standing ovation it deserves. Oh, Canada, let’s make it a headline act, not an opening number.

Yours in tourism, innovation and startups,

Founder & CEO
Roamlii