Tourism slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels

High-interest rates and uncertainty over the state of the economy are behind the tourism industry slowing down after its fast recovery from the pandemic. A report by TD titled “A Slow Road to Recovery for Canadian Tourism Spending,” states the industry won’t fully recover until about 2025.

Current tourism spending is at about 87% of where it was in 2019.

“Although more price-conscious tourists could weigh on profit margins in the sector, slower demand growth may allow the industry time to overcome labour shortages,” the report states.

In BC, tourism employment is the highest its been since 2018 as employers work to overcome challenges finding and keeping staff.

Greater Victoria tourism earns environmental rep

Back in May, Greater Victoria received some love from a feature in Vogue about how we “became a sustainable travel hotspot.” the article identifies a number of Chamber members who have helped make Greater Victoria green, including:

• Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988
• Inn at Laurel Point: Member since 1991
• Fairmont Empress: Member since 1913
• The Parkside Hotel & Spa: Member since 2013
• Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Member since 2011
• Orca Spirit Adventures: Member since 2011
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours: Member since 2013
• Prince of Whales Whale Watching: Member since 2002
• Ride the Glide – RTG E-Bikes Inc: Member since 2012
• Big Wheel Burger: Member since 2020
• Songhees Tours: Member since 2022
• Songhees Nation: Member since 2017
• Be Love: Member since 2015
• Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse: Member since 2022
• Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.: Member since 2020