By: Laura Wei

Travel, a word so full of energy, is an exploration that is never ending – a lifestyle that is natural and unrestrained. Canada is the world’s second largest country, surrounded by three oceans at three sides. It has breathtaking mountains, rippling lakes, bustling cities, and beautiful villages. Canada is not just a country with long history of immigration–it is also a dream destination for many travelers. However, research by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and data from 2002 to 2013 shows that while the number of international tourists in many countries have increased, international travel to Canada has declined by nearly three hundred million in a decade. Research also shows that in 2011, the Canadian tourism deficit reached $15.9 billion, while the data in 2012 was replaced by $17.3 billion. International travelers in Canada purchase much less than Canadians spend abroad. What has caused the tourism deficit to increase? Why did Canada fall in international tourism rankings from seventh place to seventeenth place? I think there are various factors that answer these two questions.

Canada’s tourism attractions rely heavily on its natural environment.

This is one of the country’s main characteristics and it limits Canada’s tourism prospects. France is the country that receives the most international tourism. Its red wine, art, architecture, history, and culture make it a unique destination. China has also experienced growing popularity in international tourism, due to its long and rich history, beautiful natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and modern cities. The United States’ diverse attractions, world-famous national parks, outlets shopping, and modern cities also attract many tourists from all over the world. These countries, which already have various tourism-promotion initiatives, have made further investments in tourism. However, Canada’s budget in the global tourism market was cut by $58 million between 2013 and 2014. The global tourism-marketing budget of New York City alone exceeded the entire country of Canada’s tourism budget. This is just one reason why Canada’s tourism industry has failed to develop.

Travel costs in Canada are higher compared to other countries. There is a travel peak from May to October of each year, where prices for airlines, hotel, and ground transportation all increase at the same time. The operating costs for tourism companies–and travelers–are higher during these months. The higher costs sometimes translate to better service. Many travelers who have visited Canada are impressed with the Canadian tourism industry, stating that their tour guides provided them with higher quality professional services compared to other countries. The high taxes in Canada are a challenge to the tourism industry. More than 220,000 tax-refund shops in European airports and cities provide rebate services to an average of over 22,000 tourists every day. However, Canada has no value-added tax (VAT) refund service.

Government support is necessary to strengthen a country’s tourism industry. The Canadian government has taken steps to attract international tourists in recent years, such as simplifying the visa application process and providing ten-year visas to residents of China, India, and Brazil. This new policy has definitely strengthened the tourism industry in Canada. At the same time, the falling exchange rate between Canadian dollars against RMB has also encouraged many Chinese tourists to come to Canada and explore its beauty.

Modern tourists prefer Foreign Independent Tours (F.I.T.) to large group tours, because F.I.T. tours enable a high degree of traveler freedom. This trend has pushed many travel agencies to offer more F.I.T. travel itineraries. Road trips are also popular with Chinese tourists. The Chinese car rental industry has limited choices and high costs, whereas car rental in Canada is very convenient. There are promotions that allow tourists to rent cars for less than 20 dollars a day. The ability to rent a car erases the inconveniences associated with relying on public transportation and gives travelers more freedom. The Internet makes car rental reservations easier and faster. Many tourists finish their booking before they arrive in Canada. Upon arrival, a free shuttle takes them to the car rental agency, and after a quick check-in, tourists can embark on their travels in the rented car.

Compared with visitors, immigrants have the ability to enjoy the beauty of the country throughout the year. Many immigrants prefer Vancouver due to its mild and seasonal climate, and Chinese immigrants have a significant presence in the city. Vancouver is a leisurely and quiet place compared to the fast-paced lifestyle in China. The city’s unique natural environment enables residents and visitors to enjoy many outdoor activities. Besides well-known activities such as golf, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, and horse riding, Chinese immigrants enjoy hunting and sea fishing.

Canada has two separate hunting seasons. The black bear can be hunted in spring, while the hunting in autumn is more diverse. White-tailed deer, elk, moose, caribou, pronghorn, brown bear, and mountain lions are all in season during this time. While hunting, people can enjoy views of the surrounding forests and idyllic scenery. Sea fishing is a completely different experience. Every summer, sea fishing enthusiasts take their own or rented yachts out to sea with friends. Whether a person is new to fishing or is an experienced fisherman, the deep sea has a great deal to offer, such as salmon, halibut, stone fish, and crabs.

The tourism industry in Canada needs more development and there is room to improve the country’s tourism policy. However, the country’s unique and breathtaking natural environment is one-of-a-kind. Travelers who like to explore will find that the diverse environments in Canada are beyond imagination and that each of the four seasons brings different experiences. The snow-capped mountains, the oceans and lakes, forests, and spectacular views of the aurora borealis became unforgettable memories for anybody who travels to this beautiful country.