CATO Says Tour Operators Lift Direct Economic Impact to $6.1 Billion as Jobs Reach 29,104
Updated
Updated · Travelweek · Jun 5
CATO Says Tour Operators Lift Direct Economic Impact to $6.1 Billion as Jobs Reach 29,104
1 articles · Updated · Travelweek · Jun 5
Summary
$6.1 billion in direct economic impact and 29,104 jobs by 2025 marked continued growth for Canadian tour operators, according to CATO’s latest BDO study, up from $5.3 billion and 21,824 jobs in 2023.
Total economic output, including indirect effects, rose to $9.9 billion from about $9.2 billion, while direct labour income increased to $276 million and combined direct and indirect labour income reached $1.542 billion.
Travel patterns shifted during the period: Canada-U.S. demand stayed below pre-pandemic levels and operators expect more softness, while sales grew for Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and some domestic trips, especially in Atlantic Canada.
Operators said they are expanding non-U.S. programming and adjusting products to match demand, while AI use remains early and focused on efficiency and customer service rather than replacing jobs.
The report is CATO’s third since 2021, framing the sector’s post-pandemic recovery as increasingly tied to diversification, sustainability efforts and resilience against economic and geopolitical uncertainty.