Question Period Note: 2SLGBTQI+ Tourism

How is the Government of Canada supporting Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Additional Sexually and Gender Diverse People (2SLGBTQI+) or inclusive tourism?

• Canada is a safe and welcoming country. We are a global leader in 2SLGBTQI+ tourism.

• The Government of Canada supports diverse and inclusive tourism experiences.

o Between 2019 and 2021, the government funded training to help the industry serve 2SLGBTQI+ tourists.

o Budget 2023 announced $14 million for local events and projects, including for 2SLGBTQI+ celebrations.

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion are guiding principles of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy aims to increase tourism's economic output and improve Canada's competitive standing internationally.

Economic contribution of 2SLGBTQI+ tourists

• 2SLGBTQI+ travellers represent an economic opportunity for Canada’s tourism sector. According to the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the global 2SLGBTQI+ travel market spends $200 billion (U.S.) per year. Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ travellers spend an average of $1,800 per trip domestically, which is substantially more than the average all Canadians spend on a domestic trip ($265) .

• Canada is recognized as a top 2SLGBTQI+-friendly travel destination (Lonely Planet, Huffington Post, 2021 Spartacus Gay Travel Index). The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, received the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's 2018 Pinnacle Award, which recognizes destinations that have a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQI+ tourists.

Government of Canada support for 2SLGBTQI+ tourism

• Canada supports the growth of the 2SLGBTQ1+ tourism industry. In 2019, the CGLCC, in partnership with Tourism HR Canada (THRC), conducted 13 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion training workshops with tourism-based businesses across the country and promoted Canada as an 2SLGBTQI+ travel destination at the International Tourismusbörse Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, from March 6 to 10, 2019.

• The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) provided $58.5 million over 2019-2020 and 2020-21 to support communities across Canada to create and enhance tourism products, facilities, and experiences. CEF investments focussed on five categories, including 2SLGBTQI+ tourism. The CEF provided $2.5 million to THRC and the CGLCC to implement diversity and inclusion training. THRC provided workshops on 2SLGBTQI+ travel market research and best practices in attracting 2SLGBTQI+ travellers. THRC also conducted “destination audits” that assessed a destination’s strengths and areas for improvement in market-readiness for the 2SLGBTQI+ travel market.

• Budget 2023 committed $14 million over two years for Canadian Heritage to support the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program. The program supports opportunities for local artists, artisans, and heritage performers through festivals, events, and projects. The program supports 2SLGBTQI+ communities by funding 2SLGBTQI+ events, including 2SLGBTQI+ pride events and celebrations. On June 5, 2023, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.5 million for Fierté Canada Pride (FCP) to administer an emergency fund to help pride organizations cover the increasing security costs at Pride events.
• Announced on July 4, 2023, the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy aims to unleash the full potential of Canadian tourism and cement Canada as a top global destination through the following five priorities: Investing in Canada’s tourism assets; embracing recreation and the great outdoors; partnering to grow Indigenous tourism; attracting more international events; and improving coordination through a federal ministerial council. There are key guiding principles and foundations that underpin the development of this strategy, including equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Current issues
• Global Affairs Canada recently issued a statement on its travel advice for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians travelling to the United States. The statement indicates that some American states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons and advises travellers to check relevant state and local laws before travelling. This statement follows an increase in state laws that ban children from attending shows and/or establishments with adult content. Advocates for 2SLGBTQI+ rights have expressed the view that these laws may prevent children from attending drag shows and Pride festivals. Some states have restricted the transgender community from accessing gender-affirming care and from participation in sporting events.

• 2SLGBTQI+ visitors represent a major opportunity for the Canadian tourism industry. They vacation more frequently, outspend other market segments, and share Canadian values of diversity, inclusion and personal security.

If pressed on Global Affairs Canada’s travel advisory for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers to the United States

• Foreign laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be different from those in Canada. As a result, Canadians could face certain barriers and risks when they travel outside the country. The Government of Canada advises all travellers to research and prepare for their trip in advance to help their travels go smoothly.