Federal Budget 2023: Potential of Indigenous tourism industry ‘overlooked’

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) issued the following statement: ITAC is disappointed in the lack of investment into long-term and Indigenous-led initiatives required to secure the industry’s future, as well as support ITAC’s plan to make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 with an estimated contribution of $6 billion in GDP annually.

“The global demand for Indigenous tourism is growing significantly making it one of the fastest growing industries in Canada,” says Keith Henry, president & CEO of ITAC. “To reach this ambitious goal we need to have stable, long-term funding and we need to support Indigenous-led solutions. We’re extremely disappointed to once again be overlooked by our government."

Canada has the potential to become the global leader in indigenous tourism

ITAC launched the 2023-24 Action Plan earlier this month outlining steps to rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry to peak 2019 levels of $1.9 billion contribution to Canada’s GDP and 39,000 employed in the industry in the immediate future. It is also a plan for Canada and ITAC to become a global leader in Indigenous tourism in 2030.

ITAC has been clear with the federal government in what is needed for strategic investments throughout Canada to reach the Indigenous tourism global leadership 2030 vision, but work has to start now to reach 2030 goals.

“Our vision seemed to be aligned with the government, pre-budget, and that’s what guided our 2023-24 Action Plan,” explains Henry. “We believed there was strong support from the federal government based on our positive meetings to date. ITAC has been crystal clear in what is needed to ensure Canada is the world leader in Indigenous tourism, but work must start now to reach 2030 targets.”

ITAC recently hosted the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) held in Winnipeg, March 8-10. The event brought in 1,100 global delegates to discuss and shares strategies for Indigenous tourism growth on a global scale.

Empty promises found in chapter 4 of the budget

The federal budget included a section in the budget titled “Chapter 4: Advancing Reconciliation and Building a Canada That Works for Everyone” but ITAC notes it does not feel supported in the critical work of Indigenous tourism.

“Our association can't understand how the federal budget can include a section titled ‘Chapter 4: Advancing Reconciliation and Building a Canada That Works for Everyone’ and not support the critical work of Indigenous tourism businesses,” continues Henry. “Tourism is reconciliation in action and in the budget Indigenous tourism was seemingly invisible.”

The budget includes funding earmarked for festivals and events including Indigenous Cultural Celebrations, but ITAC suggests this funding is not enough and it’s difficult for Indigenous communities to access.

Industry brings economic stability to communities overlooked by governments

Indigenous tourism is a strong example of reconciliation in action as it brings economic stability, education and job creation to communities that are often overlooked by mainstream governments. It also provides a chance for Indigenous Peoples to share their history from their voice, to be proud of Indigenous culture and revitalize dancing, singing, crafting and other things that keep Indigenous cultures alive.

Despite yesterday’s disappointing news, ITAC will continue to fully support its members and provincial-territorial partners working towards its 2022-25 Strategic Recovery Plan, Building Back Better and continue working towards the 2023-24 Action Plan.