ACTA Reports Retail Travel Sales Up 12% Since 2019

The 2023 travel boom was a very real thing, and ACTA has firm numbers to show it

The association’s latest State of the Industry report says Canada’s retail travel industry saw an impressive 12% revenue growth to $2.8 billion in 2023 v. 2019, “surpassing pre-pandemic levels and showcasing the sector’s vital role in Canada’s economic recovery.”

“These numbers tell a powerful story of adaptation and resilience in our industry,” said ACTA president Wendy Paradis. “The retail travel industry has not just survived; they’ve emerged stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to serve Canadian travellers.”

The employment narrative is particularly compelling, she said, with 21,400 travel agency employees now serving Canadians.

Official government sources estimate there are at least 5,400 countable independent travel advisors –ITAs– in Canada. This figure represents the absolute minimum, as many ITAs are not captured in government data due to inclusion criteria such as minimum earnings, dominant income source, etc. and the actual total is likely significantly higher.

“This reflects an industry embracing new work models, including remote arrangements and independent travel advisors, adapting to modern workforce expectations.”

The report is available at www.acta.ca/state-of-industry.php

The report draws from Statistics Canada, other key government sources and ACTA research and shows travel agencies and independent travel advisors are adapting to changing consumer needs while maintaining their essential role in the travel ecosystem.

ACTA says the data serves as a powerful advocacy tool in ACTA’s ongoing dialogue with government stakeholders and industry partners.

“Understanding our industry’s economic impact through verified metrics strengthens our position in policy discussions and supplier discussions,” said Avery Campbell, ACTA’s Director of Advocacy and Industry Relations who led the research and development of the report.

“These findings arm our members with valuable insights for strategic planning and demonstrate to stakeholders the vital role travel advisors play in Canada’s travel and tourism ecosystem,” Paradis added.

“Looking ahead, the data points to a bright future for the Canadian retail travel sector, with strong revenue growth creating a solid foundation for continued innovation and expansion in serving Canadian travellers.”